THE FURHAT BACK-PROJECTED HUMANOID HEAD–LIP READING, GAZE AND MULTI-PARTY INTERACTION

In this paper, we present Furhat — a back-projected human-like robot head using state-of-the art facial animation. Three experiments are presented where we investigate how the head might facilitate human–robot face-to-face interaction. First, we investigate how the animated lips increase the intelligibility of the spoken output, and compare this to an animated agent presented on a flat screen, as well as to a human face. Second, we investigate the accuracy of the perception of Furhat's gaze in a setting typical for situated interaction, where Furhat and a human are sitting around a table. The accuracy of the perception of Furhat's gaze is measured depending on eye design, head movement and viewing angle. Third, we investigate the turn-taking accuracy of Furhat in a multi-party interactive setting, as compared to an animated agent on a flat screen. We conclude with some observations from a public setting at a museum, where Furhat interacted with thousands of visitors in a multi-party interaction.

Affective Tutoring System for Better Learning

Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) are still not as effective as one-on-one human tutoring. The next generation of intelligent tutors are expected to be able to take into account the emotional state of students. This paper presents research on the development of an Affective Tutoring System (ATS). The system called “Easy with Eve” adapts to students via a lifelike animated agent who is able to detect student emotion through facial expression analysis, and can display emotion herself. Eve’s adaptations are guided by a case-based method for adapting to student states; this method uses data that was generated by an observational study of human tutors. This paper presents an analysis of facial expressions of students engaged in learning with human tutors and how a facial expression recognition system, a life like agent and a case based system based on this analysis have been integrated to develop an ATS for mathematics.