Why humans prefer robots as flawed as we are

Remember those kids in high school who got all A's, never had a bad hair day and never broke a rule but always called you out when you did? They got on your nerves for being so perfect, didn't they? Given that meaningful human interaction often hinges on relatability, we often tend to prefer the company of those who show very real humanness. If they have imperfections -- not misplaced screws or actuators, but human-like behavioral flaws -- people are more prone to forge successful working relationships with them, according to a new study out of the UK's University of Lincoln. The findings could have significant implications as people increasingly rely on social robots for tasks like helping seniors stay active and aiding autistic kids in the classroom.