Role-Play as Responsible Robotics: The Virtual Witness Testimony Role-Play Interview for Investigating Hazardous Human-Robot Interactions
This academic paper describes the preparation and application of a novel method called the Virtual Witness Testimony role-play interview, designed to investigate hazardous human-robot interactions safely. By conducting online role-play scenarios where participants observe the aftermath of an accident involving a social robot, the research team gathered qualitative data while upholding commitments to Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). The authors argue that this online role-play approach is a flexible, efficient, and ethical method that can benefit human-robot interaction research and advance responsibility in robotics.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
Researchers and practitioners in human-robot interaction and responsible robotics looking for safe, remote methods to study accident scenarios.
What the document contains
The paper covers the development, execution, and evaluation of an online role-play methodology designed to simulate hazardous human-robot interactions. It addresses how participants respond to social robot accidents, record their witness testimony, and speculate on technical malfunctions.
The document does not provide formal regulatory mandates, binding codes of conduct, or legally enforceable standards for robotics manufacturers.
- The Virtual Witness Testimony role-play interview offers a safe, efficient online method for investigating hazardous human-robot interactions without risking participant distress.
- Integrating Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles into robotics research helps address social, policy, and safety implications early in the design process.
- Online role-play interviews successfully engage lay participants in complex scenarios, yielding detailed qualitative data on human-robot interaction and witness recollections.
- The method provides a practical and cost-effective alternative or complement to physical laboratory simulations for testing social robot safety features like the Ethical Black Box.
· Introduction · Background · Role-Play as Research Method · Methods: The Virtual Witness Testimony Role-Play Interview · Findings · Discussion
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
2/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
A key strand of RoboTIPS examines the investigation of incidents and accidents involving social robots in which humans are harmed in some way
Background
screening score · 2026-10-24
Human Dignity
1/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
Data collection takes place online, a format that provides convenience as well as a safe space for participants to role play a hazardous encounter with minimal risk of suffering discomfort or distress.
Introduction
screening score · 2026-10-24
Human Oversight
0/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
n/a
screening score · 2026-10-24
Privacy
1/5Protection of personal data and private life
Participants were assured that their taking part would be kept confidential and that the data would not be shared with others.
Data Availability Statement
screening score · 2026-10-24
Transparency
1/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
In this way, the EBB-informed investigation process serves as an innovation for safety, trust, accountability, and transparency in social robotics.
Background
screening score · 2026-10-24
Enforcement
0/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
n/a
screening score · 2026-10-24
Impact Assessment
3/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
This paper describes the preparation and application of a novel method to explore hazardous human-robot interactions.
Introduction
screening score · 2026-10-24