"Azatoi" Smile: A New Concept of Cuteness Related to Intention

In recent years, the concept of “cuteness” in appearance has been used to elicit positive reactions in human-robot interactions. However, as robots evolve and diversify, it becomes crucial to incorporate cuteness that extends beyond mere appearance to encompass other factors. Therefore, the focus of this study is on “Azatoi,” a self-conscious, intentional, and calculated form of “cuteness” as a new element aimed to evoke interpersonal reactions. To investigate the perception of “Azatoi,” we conducted an experiment in which participants rated facial expressions based on smiles. Our objective was to identify the elements that contribute to the perception of “Azatoi” and determine if it could be solely perceived through facial expressions. The results of the study indicated that certain smiles were generally perceived as “Azatoi,” differing from other facial expressions in terms of intentionality, emotionality, and perceived second-order intention. “Azatoi” smiles were associated with specific movements around the mouth (action units ((AU) 1, 4, 20, and 23) and eyebrows (AU 1, 4, and 7), potentially serving as triggers for perceiving “Azatoi.” The results demonstrate the significance of integrating “Azatoi” into robotic designs.