Proposing a Game Theory Approach to Explore Group Dynamics with Social Robot

2026-03-30

AI Summary

This study investigates how social robots can effectively integrate into human groups and influence cooperative behavior. Addressing this question, the research pioneers the integration of game theory with social robotics by employing a public goods game to construct a controlled experimental setting, thereby systematically analyzing the mechanisms through which robotic intervention shapes group collaboration dynamics. Combining experimental design, human–robot interaction, and collective behavioral analysis, the work demonstrates the significant potential of social robots to enhance human cooperation and improve the efficiency of collective decision-making. These findings offer both theoretical grounding and practical implications for collaboration-intensive contexts such as education and workplace environments.

Abstract

Integrating social robots in our group-based society, beyond the technical challenges, requires considering the social group dynamics. Following the results from preliminary exploratory studies on the influence of social robots on group decisions, the proposed research investigates whether social robots can foster cooperation among group members. To achieve this, I propose a game theory approach, employing the Public Good Game to recreate a simplified and controlled social situation where the robot's influence can be evaluated. Clarifying the role of robots in promoting collaboration among humans might have a significant impact in educational environments, enhancing student learning, as well as in workplace settings, where they could facilitate problem-solving and lead to shared solutions.

Problem

• social robots
• group dynamics
• cooperation
• human-robot interaction
• Public Good Game

Innovation

• game theory
• social robot
• group dynamics
• Public Good Game
• human-robot interaction