Resonance as a Design Strategy for AI and Social Robots

Resonance, a powerful and pervasive phenomenon, appears to play a major role in human interactions. This article investigates the relationship between the physical mechanism of resonance and the human experience of resonance, and considers possibilities for enhancing the experience of resonance within human-robot interactions. We first introduce resonance as a widespread cultural and scientific metaphor. Then, we review the nature of sympathetic resonance as a physical mechanism. Following this introduction, the remainder of the article is organized in two parts. In part one, we review the role of resonance (including synchronization and rhythmic entrainment) in human cognition and social interactions. Then, in part two, we review resonance-related phenomena in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). These two reviews serve as ground for the introduction of a design strategy and combinatorial design space for shaping resonant interactions with robots and AI. We conclude by posing hypotheses and research questions for future empirical studies and discuss a range of ethical and aesthetic issues associated with resonance in human-robot interactions.

Automated summary

This article explores the relationship between resonance and human interactions, discussing its physical mechanism and the potential for enhancing resonant experiences in human-robot interactions. It reviews the role of resonance in human cognition and social interactions, as well as resonance-related phenomena in robotics and artificial intelligence. The article concludes by proposing hypotheses for future empirical studies and addressing ethical and aesthetic issues related to resonance in human-robot interactions.