Studying Human Attitudes Towards Robots Through Experience
Building the next generation of robots for successful integration into our homes, offices, and factories is more than just solving the hardware and software problems ā we also need to understand how they will be perceived and how they can work effectively with people in those spaces. aspect_ratio In summer 2025, RAI Institute set up a free popup robot experience in the CambridgeSide mall, designed to let people experience state-of-the-art robotics first hand. While news stories about robots and AI are common, with some being overly critical and some overly optimistic, most people have not encountered robots in the flesh (or metal) as it were. With no direct experience, their opinions are largely shaped by pop culture and social media, both of which are more focused on sensational stories instead of accurate information about how the robots might be used effectively and where the technology still falls short. Our goal with the popup was two-fold: first, to give people an opportunity to see robots that they would otherwise not have a chance to experience and second, to better understand how the public feels about interacting with these robots. Designing a Robot Experience for the General Public Some earlier versions legged robots, built by the RAI Instituteās Executive Director, Marc Raibert RAI Institute The ANYmal by ANYrobotics (left) and a previous model of the RAI Instituteās UMV (right) RAI Institute The pop-up space had two areas: a museum area where people could see historical and modern robots, including some RAI Institute
In the summer of 2025, the RAI Institute set up a unique pop-up robot experience at the CambridgeSide mall, aiming to bridge the gap between public perception and reality regarding robots and AI. This initiative was a response to the prevalent misinformation and sensationalism in media coverage, which often fails to provide accurate insights into how robots can be effectively integrated into daily life and where the technology is still developing.
The primary objectives of the pop-up were twofold: first, to offer people an opportunity to interact with state-of-the-art robots that they might not otherwise encounter, and second, to gain a deeper understanding of the public's attitudes and perceptions towards these machines. The RAI Institute, led by Executive Director Marc Raibert, had a vested interest in this project, as it directly relates to their mission of building robots that can thrive in human environments, from homes to factories.
The pop-up space was divided into two main areas: a museum section and an interactive driving arena. The museum showcased a range of robots, both historical and modern, including some of the RAI Institute's own creations. This part of the experience aimed to educate visitors about the evolution of robotics and the diverse applications of these machines.
The interactive driving arena, known as "Drive-a-Spot," allowed visitors to take the controls of a Spot quadruped, a commercially available robot that has gained significant recognition. The custom controller used in this area was designed to be accessible to people of all ages, featuring basic controls such as moving forward, backward, and turning. This hands-on experience was intended to provide a tangible understanding of how robots can be operated and interacted with in real-world scenarios.
The success of the pop-up experience highlighted the importance of direct interaction in shaping public opinion about robots. By allowing people to experience these machines firsthand, the RAI Institute hoped to counteract the influence of sensational media narratives and pop culture portrayals that often overshadow the practical benefits of robotics.
The project also served as a valuable source of data for the RAI Institute, as they observed and collected feedback from participants. This information would be crucial in refining their designs and ensuring that future robots are not only technologically advanced but also well-received by the public.
In conclusion, the RAI Institute's pop-up robot experience at the CambridgeSide mall in 2025 was a groundbreaking initiative that sought to address the disconnect between public perception and reality regarding robots and AI. By providing a platform for direct interaction and education, the project aimed to foster a more informed and open-minded attitude towards the integration of robots into our daily lives. As the field of robotics continues to evolve, the insights gained from this experience will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of human-robot collaboration.
