Robots and programs can behave empathetically, recognizing emotions and responding to them automatically. As humans, we are also influenced by automatisms. We react to what the robot does and ascribe certain human characteristics to it – we anthropomorphize it. Experience has shown that if a robot shaped like a small dinosaur (Pleo) is held by its tail and squeaks and twists, people start to feel sorry for it. They trigger a mechanism appropriate for a relationship with a living creature or, more specifically, with a human being.
Are robots empathetic? If we recognize that empathy is not necessary for having emotions, but one only needs to recognize emotions and be able to react to them appropriately, then affective computing makes robots more and more empathic.
