Attitudes, Prior Interaction, and Petitioner Credibility Predict Support for Considering the Rights of Robots

The purpose of this study is to determine levels of support for consideration of the rights of robots and to identify predictors of support for robot rights. Findings demonstrated that negative attitudes toward robots, perceived credibility of the petitioner, and prior interaction with robots were significant predictors of individuals agreeing to sign a petition on the issue of robot rights. Gender of the participant and whether the petitioner was a human being or Pepper robot did not significantly predict willingness to sign the petition.