Concept, Task, and Application of Social Robots in Information Behavior Research

Abstract

[Purpose/Significance] The advent and emergence of social robots represent a closer development trend in human-computer interaction. However, the study of the information behavior of social robots faces many challenges that arise from the need to simulate human social behavior. This challenge includes technical hurdles such as a multi-level understanding of human emotions, extraction of multi-modal information features, situational awareness, as well as the establishment of long-term user profiling, data privacy, and ethical considerations in personalized interaction. However, existing research tends to focus narrowly on specific applications and lacks a holistic review. This paper attempts to provide a thorough review of both domestic and international studies of social robots in the area of information behavior. It aims to elucidate the theoretical evolution and technological foundations of social robots, thereby enriching our understanding of their role in the landscape of information behavior research. [Method/Process] Using a rigorous literature review methodology, we meticulously analyze the current state and prospective trajectory of research on the information behavior of social robots. First, we extract and scrutinize the theoretical foundations and salient research topics within the field. We then delineate the core tasks of social robots, which include data acquisition, language processing, emotion analysis, information retrieval, and intelligent communication. Furthermore, we synthesize research on the information behavior of social robots in various application domains such as education, healthcare, and service sectors. We delve into the intricacies of human-computer interaction in these contexts and provide comprehensive insights. Finally, we explore future directions in the field. [Results/Conclusions] Our examination of the information behavior of social robots reveals both promising potential and notable challenges. This paper provides a fundamental elucidation of the social robot concept, identifies current research foci, and addresses prevailing challenges. Regarding the construction of data resource and related technologies, we systematically delineate the task architecture of social robots, and highlight their wide-ranging applications in various domains. Furthermore, we provide an in-depth examination of human-computer interaction scenarios in critical domains such as education, healthcare, and service delivery, offering prescient guidance for future research efforts in social robotics. Nonetheless, our findings underscore the nascent stage of development of social robotics, which requires a concerted focus on advancing interaction quality assessment, enhancing social cognitive capabilities, managing user information disclosure, and refining emotional intelligence. By prioritizing these avenues, we aim to improve the quality of human-robot interaction and provide users with enriched and personalized service experiences, thereby catalyzing the continued evolution and broader integration of social robotics technology.

Keywords

• social robot|information behavior|human-computer interaction|development context|systematic review