We already know that New Yorkers (and, to be fair, most metropolitan residents) typically don't talk to or empathize with strangers, but what about robots? That's what Kacie Kinzer wanted to find out when she set her Tweenbots out into Washington Square Park in New York.
The adorable Tweenbots were equipped only with a flag that said, "Help," and implored onlookers to point them in the right direction towards their destination. Hidden cameras capture the ambivalence, random acts of kindness and hilarious expressions of empathy all the while.
What do you think happened? You'll have to watch the video to find out, but I was pleasantly surprised...
Empathy for Robots
Will NYC Strangers Give Kacie Kinzer's Tweenbots Directions?
Trend Themes
1. Robot Interaction - The Tweenbots experiment highlights the growing trend of exploring human-robot interaction.
2. Empathy in Technology - The willingness of strangers to help the Tweenbots demonstrates the emerging trend of empathy in the design and use of technology.
3. Public Engagement - The Tweenbots project reflects a trend towards encouraging public engagement and participation in interactive experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Robotics - The success of the Tweenbots experiment suggests opportunities for disruptive innovation in the field of robotics, particularly in designing robots that can elicit empathy from humans.
2. Human-computer Interaction - The interaction between humans and the Tweenbots highlights potential disruptive innovation opportunities in the field of human-computer interaction, such as designing more intuitive and empathetic interfaces.
3. Experience Design - The Tweenbots project showcases the importance of experience design, presenting opportunities for disruptive innovation in creating engaging and emotionally resonant interactive experiences.