How can artificial intelligence, recommendation systems and social robotics meaningfully enrich people's everyday lives?
At the Human-Computer Interaction Lab, the Rothenburg campus develops and researches systems that help with everyday decisions – with a clear focus on user acceptance, comprehensibility and practical application.
Social robots
Social robots have been developed to communicate emotionally in a human-like manner. They have a physical presence and are used in areas such as care, education and customer service to build personal relationships and support users. The Rothenburg Campus is researching the acceptance and benefits of social robots in fields such as tourism, brick-and-mortar retail, vocational training counselling and healthcare.
Eye-tracking systems
To analyse a person's gaze and eye movements and gain valuable insights into visual perception and the underlying cognitive processes, the HCI Lab uses eye-tracking systems from the Swedish company Tobii. In addition to screen-based eye-tracking systems, which are used to optimise websites, for example, mobile eye-tracking glasses enable studies to be conducted in real-life environments – from analysing visual perception in production halls and navigation studies in unfamiliar buildings to researching purchasing decisions in supermarkets.
Biofeedback devices
Biofeedback devices such as the Neuromaster are also used to measure a participant's skin conductance, for example, and gain insights into unconscious emotional intensity and cognitive processing.
| Campus | Rothenburg |
| Room | ROT 1.07 |
| Degree Programmes | IKM, DIM |
| Contact persons | Prof. Dr. Alexander Piazza |
| Additional information | rothenburg.hs-ansbach.de |
![[Translate to English:] Projektbeispiele: Berufsausbildungsberatung](/fileadmin/_processed_/4/e/csm_Projektbeispiele_Berufsausbildungsberatung_468a159ceb.png)
Social robots in vocational training counselling
As part of a research project in collaboration with the Nuremberg Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Middle Franconia, the use of a social robot as an aid in vocational training counselling is being tested. The prototype developed is based on a recommendation system that aims to help young people identify the Chamber of Industry and Commerce training occupation that is right for them. Particular emphasis is placed on making the system user-friendly.
![[Translate to English:] Projektbeispiele: Einzelhandel](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/a/csm_Projektbeispiele_Einzelhandel_793db6e72a.png)
Social robots in retail
The research project investigated the use of a social robot for running shoe advice to support customer decision-making, personalise the shopping experience and strengthen customer loyalty. The focus was on analysing perceived similarity between humans and robots and the associated physiological reactions to AI-supported recommendations. The aim was to derive concrete design guidelines for trust-building and personalised human-robot interactions.
![[Translate to English:] Projektbeispiele: Bankfiliale](/fileadmin/_processed_/e/2/csm_Projektbeispiele_Bankfiliale_74b29d588e.png)
Social robots in customer service at a bank branch
In collaboration with VR Bank Mittelfranken in Ansbach, research was conducted into the acceptance of a social robot in customer service. As part of the experiment, the robot provided information on request about the possibility of becoming a member of VR Bank. Customers were then asked to rate their experience with the robot. Particular focus was placed on first impressions and possible inhibitions regarding the use of the robot.
![[Translate to English:] Projektbeispiele: Touristenberatung](/fileadmin/_processed_/a/9/csm_Projektbeispiele_Touristenberatung_0195b322a8.png)
Social robots in tourist information
As part of several research projects in collaboration with Rothenburg Tourism Services, the use of a social robot in tourist information was investigated. During the project, the social robot Furha was used to provide tourists with personalised suggestions for places of interest. The focus was on evaluating design factors to increase user acceptance.
![[Translate to English:] Projektbeispiele: Museum](/fileadmin/_processed_/9/f/csm_Projektbeispiele_Museum_2872adb91e.png)
Social robots in museums
As part of a research project, the use of social robots as an innovative, digital communication medium and information provider in museums was investigated. To this end, the social robot Furhatin was integrated into the exhibition of the Medieval Crime Museum and a visitor survey was conducted. Particular attention was paid to the robot's appearance and its influence on visitor acceptance.
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