ENCHANTED TOOLS WITH MATHER INSTITUTE

Over the course of the pilot, Miroka became more than a conversational interface, it became a social presence. Residents engaged in storytelling, games, and discussions, sometimes forming connections not only with the robot, but with each other. The study highlights how a robot placed in a shared environment can act as a catalyst for interaction, creating new opportunities for dialogue and collective experiences beyond direct human–robot exchanges.
What emerged was not just curiosity for technology, but moments of attention, laughter, and emotional engagement that reshaped everyday interactions.

Beyond first impressions, the study uncovers a more nuanced reality: sustained engagement depends not on novelty, but on the quality of interaction. Residents responded to how the robot listens, asks questions, and supports conversation, revealing the importance of designing technology that enhances, rather than replaces, human connection.
These findings open new perspectives on the role of robots as part of a social ecosystem, inviting us to rethink how technology can support communities, relationships, and shared experiences.

This study was led by :

• Ajla Basic (PhD, PMP), Senior Project Manager at Mather Institute
• Anais Scipioni, UX Researcher at Enchanted Tools.

Together, they combined research expertise and field insights to explore how social robots can shape real human experiences in everyday environments.