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Inclusion in Assistive Haircare Robotics: Practical and Ethical Considerations in Hair Manipulation

Uksang Yoo, Nathaniel Dennler, Sarvesh Patil, Jean Oh, Jeffrey Ichnowski

TL;DR

This work lists and discusses the consideration of hair type, expression of the individual's preferred identity, cost accessibility of the system, culturally-aware robot strategies, and the associated societal risks.

Abstract

Robot haircare systems could provide a controlled and personalized environment that is respectful of an individual's sensitivities and may offer a comfortable experience. We argue that because of hair and hairstyles' often unique importance in defining and expressing an individual's identity, we should approach the development of assistive robot haircare systems carefully while considering various practical and ethical concerns and risks. In this work, we specifically list and discuss the consideration of hair type, expression of the individual's preferred identity, cost accessibility of the system, culturally-aware robot strategies, and the associated societal risks. Finally, we discuss the planned studies that will allow us to better understand and address the concerns and considerations we outlined in this work through interactions with both haircare experts and end-users. Through these practical and ethical considerations, this work seeks to systematically organize and provide guidance for the development of inclusive and ethical robot haircare systems.

Inclusion in Assistive Haircare Robotics: Practical and Ethical Considerations in Hair Manipulation

TL;DR

This work lists and discusses the consideration of hair type, expression of the individual's preferred identity, cost accessibility of the system, culturally-aware robot strategies, and the associated societal risks.

Abstract

Robot haircare systems could provide a controlled and personalized environment that is respectful of an individual's sensitivities and may offer a comfortable experience. We argue that because of hair and hairstyles' often unique importance in defining and expressing an individual's identity, we should approach the development of assistive robot haircare systems carefully while considering various practical and ethical concerns and risks. In this work, we specifically list and discuss the consideration of hair type, expression of the individual's preferred identity, cost accessibility of the system, culturally-aware robot strategies, and the associated societal risks. Finally, we discuss the planned studies that will allow us to better understand and address the concerns and considerations we outlined in this work through interactions with both haircare experts and end-users. Through these practical and ethical considerations, this work seeks to systematically organize and provide guidance for the development of inclusive and ethical robot haircare systems.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 15 sections, 1 figure.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Background
  3. Hair Types
  4. Identity Expressions with Hair
  5. Identity-based Personalization
  6. Considerations
  7. Hair Types
  8. Identity-based Expression and Preferences
  9. Cost
  10. Risks and Concerns
  11. Planned Study
  12. Data Collection
  13. Proposed Analysis
  14. Mitigating Risks and Biases
  15. Conclusion and Future Work

Figures (1)

  • Figure 1: Functional diagram of the practical and ethical considerations for robot haircare system development. The physical hair type directly determines the space of feasible hairstyles. Additionally, it affects what robot speeds, applied forces and trajectories are physically comfortable for the users. It also affects what tools can be used and what robot actions are effective. Identity-based expression through hairstyles partially determines the culturally appropriate tools and actions the robot can perform. The user input of identity directly relates to the consideration of hairstyles that reflect the user's expressed identity. The user's identity input and which user commands the system determines are ethical to comply with relate to the concerns of culturally appropriate tools and actions that the robot should use.