The Uncanny Valley Hypothesis and Beyond

• Main Author: Marcus Cheetham (auth)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media SA 2018
• Series: Frontiers Research Topics
• Subjects: Psychology; anthropomorphic design; computer animation; computer graphics; virtual reality; cognition; affect; robotics; human likeness; Uncanny Valley Hypothesis; perception
• Online Access: DOAB: download the publication; DOAB: description of the publication

Summary

A field of theory and research is evolving around the question highlighted in the Uncanny Valley Hypothesis: How does high realism in anthropomorphic design influence human experience and behaviour? The Uncanny Valley Hypothesis posits that a very humanlike character or object (e.g., robot, prosthetic limb, doll) can evoke a negative affective (i.e., uncanny) state. Recent advances in robotic and computer-graphic technologies in simulating aspects of human appearance, behaviour and interaction have been accompanied, therefore, by theorising and research on the meaning and relevance of the Uncanny Valley Hypothesis for anthropomorphic design. Current understanding of the "uncanny" idea is still fragmentary and further original research is needed. However, the emerging picture indicates that the relationship between humanlike realism and subjective experience and behaviour may not be as straightforward as the Uncanny Valley Hypothesis suggests. This Research Topic brings together researchers from traditionally separate domains (including robotics, computer graphics, cognitive science, psychology and neuroscience) to provide a snapshot of current work in this field. A diversity of issues and questions are addressed in contributions that include original research, review, theory, and opinion papers.

Physical Description

1 electronic resource (142 p.)

ISBN

978-2-88945-443-3
9782889454433

Access

Open Access