Are Robotic Bodies (Part of) Social Bodies? Embodiment and Sociability in Human–Robot Interaction

The chapter proposes a philosophical exploration of human–robot social and affective interactions. We start with what has become an important debate in so- cial robotics: ‘Are social robots embodied?’ We first critically analyze the notion of body and the body/mind relationship implemented in current social robots. Second, we outline the implications of these views for our interactions with these ‘social ma- chines’ while paying special attention to emotion-centered interactions. We then pro- pose an alternative view of human–robot social interactions focusing on affective coordination that allows us to escape the sterile philosophical debate concerning the simulated or authentic character of interactions with social robots. Finally, we criti- cally reflect on the evolutions that appear to be emerging for social robots and the impacts they may have on our social interaction with robots and others.