Nonverbal intimacy as a benchmark for human–robot interaction

Studies of human–human interactions indicate that relational dimensions, which are largely nonverbal, include intimacy/involvement, status/control, and emotional valence. This paper devises codes from a study of couples and strangers which may be behavior-mapped on to next generation android bodies. The codes provide act specifications for a possible benchmark of nonverbal intimacy in human–robot interaction. The appropriateness of emotionally intimate behaviors for androids is considered. The design and utility of the android counselor/psychotherapist is explored, whose body is equipped with semi-autonomous visceral and behavioral capacities for ‘doing intimacy.’