The mirrorbot is a research project by Cornell University. It aims to act as a spatial mediator between human beings in a physical space to bring them together. Unlike traditional robots that aim to replace human interaction, the mirrorbot facilitates eye contact between strangers by mediating between them.
What is the mirrorbot?
The mirrorbot is a 4 feet tall robot that is covered with soft, non-intimidating material. This is to make the robot feel more like a gentle presence in the room rather than being a machine.
What does the mirrorbot do?
The mirrorbot has two mirrors that move. These mirrors enable the person looking at the bot to see their own face as well the face of the person with whom they are interacting. This makes the interaction feel socially safer as the person is not staring directly at a stranger, avoiding the pressure of face-to-face interaction. The argument is that the robot will facilitate interactions in environments such as hospital waiting rooms.
Critique
During the research phase, some participants criticised the robot for being overactive. They reported that the robot forced social interactions which was a source of additional pressure on the participants. This is because the robot gradually escalates interactions by shifting between seeing both the participants.
Conclusion
MirrorBot doesn’t speak. It focuses entirely on non-verbal, serendipitous interaction, proving that connection can begin with a smile or a playful gesture before a single word is exchanged. Hopefully, as the technology develops, it allows the dead time to turn to moments of human warmth.