Study on Nonverbal Interaction for Establishing User Affinity with Artificial Intelligence Assistants

With the widespread adoption of smart speakers and home service robots, the forms of smart home hubs are diversifying. This study aims to analyze the nonverbal interactions of AI assistants to examine their role in fostering a sense of intimacy. Through case studies, the study identifies and analyzes the nonverbal interaction elements utilized in AI assistants, which include five key factors: light, sound effects, informational graphics, anthropomorphized movements, and animations. The study investigates whether these nonverbal interactions contribute to intimacy formation among adult men and women. Using the five nonverbal interaction elements derived from case studies and three intimacy factors, correlation analysis and factor regression analysis were conducted using the SPSS program. The results indicate that, in terms of behavioral intimacy, only sound effects and informational graphics were found to be significant. However, nonverbal interactions positively influenced emotional and relational intimacy. Based on these findings, this study is expected to serve as foundational research for future studies on nonverbal interactions in AI assistants.