Robot-Human Interaction

This paper presents a novel reflection on interaction devices between human and robots. Robots are most currently seen as tools, extensions of the human body designed and meant to serve its needs. The development of artificial intelligence forces us to reconsider that paradigm, and to ask ourselves the question of who, during the human-machine dialogue, is really in control. In the overwhelming majority of situations where robots and users are expected to collaborate or interrelate, users are required to fully trust the machine and its reactions. The authors propose a methodology for the design of interfaces that question the very core of this trust issue, through a reversed interface allowing the machine to physically control humans seen as mere peripherals. After laying down the design principles of this approach, the authors describe an art performance during which the consequences of this reversal are explored to their very limits. The radical approach of this research is made possible through the unconventional study context provided by the artistic nature of the attempt. The experimental feedback of the artist is discussed. It is followed by a survey of the audience's reactions that allows to withdraw significant conclusions from the work.