Pluralistic Human-Robot Interaction: Designing for Robot Interaction with Diverse Communities

2026-08-16

AI Summary

This study addresses the limitations of existing social robots in navigating real-world social complexities by proposing a novel pluralistic human-robot interaction framework. Centering human diversity as a core design principle, this approach integrates multidimensional ethical constructs, including civic dialogue, empathy, cultural humility, and moral imagination. The research establishes a systematic theoretical foundation to guide the design, evaluation, and deployment of robots within diverse communities. By enhancing both inclusivity and ethical adaptability in human-robot interactions, this work offers an innovative and practically valuable paradigm for developing robotic systems capable of functioning effectively within complex social environments. Ultimately, this framework bridges critical gaps between technical capabilities and the nuanced ethical demands of heterogeneous human societies.

Abstract

Social robots are being developed for homes, schools, and other environments where they will interact with diverse users. While Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) research often emphasizes natural communication, engagement, personalization, and task success, these goals do not fully address the social complexity of real-world deployment. This paper proposes \emph{Pluralistic HRI}, a framework for designing social robots that treat human diversity as a foundational design concern. The framework brings together pluralism, civic dialogue, perspective-taking, empathy, intercultural competence, cultural humility, and moral imagination to guide inclusive, adaptive, and ethically grounded interaction. We outline how pluralistic HRI can inform design, evaluation, and deployment in diverse human communities.

Problem

• Pluralistic HRI
• Social Robots
• Human Diversity
• Inclusive Interaction

Innovation

• Pluralistic HRI
• Social Robots
• Human Diversity
• Cultural Humility
• Ethical Interaction