Adopting a Robot with Empathy? User Perceptions and Expectations of Emotional Intelligence in Social Robots

A robot with emotional intelligence might detect frustration in a user's tone and respond with supportive or motivational language, fostering trust and emotional bonds. This study explores users' expectations of emotional intelligence in social robots. Using the Wukong robot and the Hume.AI platform, we conducted a study with surveys and contextual interactions. Data were collected from 30 participants in the US and China. The preliminary findings indicate that emotional in-telligence in robots plays a critical role in meeting both functional and emotional needs, shaping expectations, and fostering trust. However, the expectations of users towards enhanced emotional intelligence are diversified.