Can Machines Think? Interaction and Perspective Taking with Robots Investigated via fMRI

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002597
• Publication Date: 2008-07-09T04:01:00Z
• Authors: Sören Krach; Frank Hegel; Britta Wrede; Gerhard Sagerer; Ferdinand Binkofski; Tilo Kircher
• Keywords: Temporoparietal junction; Human–robot interaction; Human brain

When our PC goes on strike again we tend to curse it as if were a human being. Why and under which circumstances do attribute human-like properties machines? Although humans increasingly interact directly with machines remains unclear whether implicitly intentions them and, so, such interactions resemble human-human neural level. In social cognitive neuroscience the ability desires others is being referred having Theory of Mind (ToM). With present study investigated an increase human-likeness interaction partners modulates participants' ToM associated cortical activity.By means functional magnetic resonance imaging (subjects n = 20) activity modulation during highly interactive human-robot game. Increasing degrees for game partner introduced by computer partner, robot, anthropomorphic robot partner. The classical iterated prisoner's dilemma was applied experimental task allowed implicit detection activity. During experiment participants always played against random sequence unknowingly them. Irrespective surmised partners' responses indicated experienced more fun competition in increasing features their partners. Parametric data revealed significant linear medial frontal cortex well right temporo-parietal junction correspondence (computer<functional robot<anthropomorphic robot<human).Both regions correlating degree human-likeness, junction, have been Theory-of-Mind. results demonstrate that tendency build model another's mind linearly increases its perceived human-likeness. Moreover, provides first evidence contribution higher functions direct artificial robots. Our shed light long-lasting psychological philosophical debate regarding human-machine question what makes human.