A new study found people finish a test faster with a “bad” robot, like they would a judgmental human. Researchers claim maybe test subjects had a raised state of alertness that improves their focus.
SevenTablets, Inc. CEO Kishore Khandavalli said technology is being adopted in exciting ways, including workforce efficiency.
“By making it look like a human being and making it look like the eyes are watching you and the ears are listening to you, it’s really playing into the psychology of the employees, rather than a square or round box machine sitting there and doing the exact same thing,” said Khandavalli.
He said this is no different from having software program that watches you through a camera or capturing data.
“If the workers know that they’re going to get less than a positive response if they slack or if they slow down, then obviously they’re being responsive to that,” said Khandavalli.
Those with a nicer robot or who worked alone, worked slower.