Humans and Robots in Asymmetric Interactions

Robots are not human. They might in some cases have a similar appearance but different behavioral and cognitive strengths and limitations. In this sense, an interaction with a robot is asymmetric. When interacting with a robot one is unsure what behavior to expect as the appearance does not necessarily make the abilities of the robot transparent. In human-human interaction, we can also find asymmetric interactions to occur. For example, in an interaction with a child, adults have to adapt to the learner's capabilities and understanding. Similarly, in interactions with special populations such as persons with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), asymmetry occurs as specific information seems to be processed differently.