A Prototype of a Robot Memory Game: Exploring the Technical Limitations of Human-Robot Interaction in a Playful Context

We explored the feasibility and limitations of designing and developing a Robot-Human interactive board game known as memory, a turn-based game of matching card pairs. Our analysis of this case study suggests significant limitations and further interactive improvements before exposing the prototype to the users. In terms of technical limitations, the variability of light and the lack of sharp camera imaging makes it challenging to identify cards uniquely. Open MANIPULATOR-X's (robotic arm used) dexterity is limited and could not mimic the interaction of card flipping. For interactive design terms, we analysed the robot morphology, expressiveness and modifications in the cards. We suggest running comparative studies with well-known humanoid robots and humans. This project is the initial step to developing more engaging and interactive games between Humans and Robots. Future experiments aim to explore the emotional, physical and mental benefit users could obtain from playing games with robots.