Expecting the Expected: An Analytical Framework to Examine People’s Expectations of Robots

Abstract

We present a novel framework for human-robot interaction designers to analyze and explore expectations of their robot designs. It consists of a model of how people form expectations of robots, and a taxonomy for classifying them. A known challenge in human-robot interactions is expectation discrepancy, in which the expectations people form when interacting with a social robot are not aligned with its actual capabilities. This can disappoint users and hinder interaction. Research has proposed ways to mitigate expectation discrepancy, but designers lack a systematic approach to analyzing and describing expectations. We developed a rigorous theoretical framework by drawing from theories and models from psychology and sociology on expectations between people, and by conducting a field review of expectations in human-robot interactions. We further propose methods for designers to leverage the framework in systematic analysis of how and why people form expectations of a given robot and what those expectations may be. This can empower designers with greater control over people’s expectations, enabling them to combat expectation discrepancy.

Citation

James M. Berzuk, Ceilidh Simon, and James E. Young. 2025. Expecting the Expected: An Analytical Framework to Examine People’s Expectations of Robots. Accepted for publication in Advanced Robotics.