Exploring the Acceptance and Application of a Humanoid Robot: Insights from Three Field Studies

Germany is undergoing significant demographic shifts, which are expected to have profound implications for the country’s labour force. Technological solutions are essential, not as replacements for skilled labour but as a support, as they address the existing shortage of qualified workers across various sectors. This research project addresses this need by testing a humanoid robot in three different settings, a museum, a film festival and a day care centre, with the aim of providing sustainable and meaningful insights into the sensible use, acceptance and application of a humanoid robot. A mixed-methods approach was used across three exploratory field studies, integrating qualitative and quantitative data collection. The humanoid robot was made available for interaction with both visitors and employees, facilitating a comprehensive evaluation of its use and acceptance. The findings revealed that the majority of the participants had no prior experience interacting with humanoid robots. Additionally, acceptance levels vary based on demographic factors such as age and familiarity with technology. In culture, the robot primarily served as an information provider, whereas in daycare, it was most effective as a source of entertainment. Although participants found the robot intuitive and engaging, its limited perceived usefulness highlights the need for enhanced interactivity and functionality to maximize its economic and operational potential in addressing skilled labour shortages. This research contributes to the growing field of human‒robot interaction by providing empirical insights into the acceptance and perception of humanoid robots across diverse real-world settings. Unlike many studies that focus solely on controlled environments or specific user groups, this study explores how a humanoid robot is received in cultural and caregiving contexts, offering a broader perspective on its practical potential and challenges. The findings highlight the importance of tailoring humanoid robots to the specific needs and expectations of different user groups, such as enhancing interactivity in cultural settings or addressing functionality gaps in caregiving environments. These insights provide valuable recommendations for developers, businesses and policymakers, including the need for improved designs and features to maximize the utility of humanoid robots in supplementing skilled labour shortages, particularly in industries such as healthcare.