Do You Trust Social Robots? An Uncanny Valley Theory Perspective

Abstract

Social robots have been increasingly popular during the past decade. Anthropomorphism is identified as a critical factor affecting social robots’ acceptance. A conceptual model is proposed to examine social robots’ user acceptance based on the theory of the uncanny valley. User perception of the anthropomorphism level (low, medium, and high) of social robots is proposed to affect users’ perceived uncanniness and humanness of social robots, which influences user trust in social robots, and user trust will lead to users’ intention to use social robots. The theoretical model will be empirically tested through an experiment conducted online targeting the hospitality industry. The study will contribute to social robotic acceptance literature by explaining how anthropomorphism affects user trust in social robots via perceived uncanniness and humanness, as well as how user trust influences user acceptance of social robots.