Objective This project’s main goal is to advance the field of human-robot interaction, specifically with robots that can adjust to natural interaction rhythms, while engaged on a joint task. Robots capable of open-ended and engaging interactions are useful: as learners, with humans as instructors (e.g. by demonstration, by imitation), as teachers, and as assistants of the elderly, or disabled. Mounting evidence shows that seamless timing of turn-taking–and the capability for dynamic control of a turn-taking rhythm–is associated with perceived quality and learning outcomes, in adult-adult, and in human-robot social exchanges. Moreover, in infancy, turn-taking dynamics predict emotional, social, and cognitive developmental outcomes.The workplan proposes a novel 2-step developmental approach: (1) study developmental changes in turn-taking dynamics when children are engaged in open-ended joint play with a parent–measured with motion-capture of participants’ body movements; and (2) and apply these results to extend and test a robotic platform (ARoS) developed at the host institution.In addition, the proposed empirical studies will have far-reaching consequences, beyond human-robot interaction design, in the social, emotional, and cognitive development fields, including clinical applications. The workplan will be supported by a novel interdisciplinary collaboration of a robotics and an experimental psychology laboratory at the host. Fields of science social scienceseducational sciencesdidacticssocial sciencespsychologyengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringrobotics Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IIF - Marie Curie Action: "International Incoming Fellowships" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IIF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IIF - International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) Coordinator UNIVERSIDADE DO MINHO EU contribution € 208 672,40 Address LARGO DO PACO 4704 553 Braga Portugal See on map Region Continente Norte Cávado Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Vasco Teixeira (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data