Evaluating Users’ Auditory Affective Preference for Humanoid Robot Voices through Neural Dynamics

Abstract

Users’ affective preference for voices has become a topic of great interest with the prevalence of humanoid robots. Nevertheless, the affective preference formation for humanoid voices remains unknown, and its evaluation lacks objective methods. Consequently, we conducted an EEG experiment to unravel the underlying neural dynamics and evaluate users’ affective preference for humanoid robot voices. Significantly larger P2, P3, and LPP amplitudes, enhanced theta, and decreased alpha oscillations were observed when users affectively preferred humanoid robot voices. The results suggest that the neural dynamics underlying users’ affective preference for humanoid robot voices might primarily consist of early detection of affective information in voices, further processing of affective information, and later evaluative categorization of affective preference. Moreover, the neural indicators could distinguish users’ affective preferences for humanoid robot voices. The study contributes to understanding the auditory affective preference formation for humanoid robot voices and providing a neurological evaluation method.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 72071035 and Grant No. 71771045).

Notes on contributors

Mingming Li

Mingming Li is a PhD candidate at the Department of Industrial Engineering, School of Business Administration, Northeastern University, China. His research interests include human factors, human-robot interaction, user experience design, and human–computer interaction.

Fu Guo

Fu Guo is a professor of Industrial Engineering at School of Business Administration, Northeastern University, China. Her research interests include human factors, Kansei engineering, user experience, human–computer interaction, human–robot interaction, occupational safety and health, and product placement.

Jiahao Chen

Jiahao Chen is a PhD student at the Department of Industrial Engineering, School of Business Administration, Northeastern University, China. His research interests include human factors, voice interaction, user experience design, and human–computer interaction.

Vincent G. Duffy

Vincent G. Duffy is a full professor of Industrial Engineering and Agricultural & Biological Engineering at Purdue University. His research interests include digital human modeling, safety engineering, work methods, and ergonomics.