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arXiv · 2606.26213

RoboTales: ROBOTic Anthropomorphic LEarning Systems

Andrew Chen·Ju-Hung Chen·Phurinat Pinyomit·Alexis E. Block
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Abstract

RoboTales is a low-cost robotic storytelling system that animates narratives using expressive sock puppetry. Implemented autonomously on a Baxter robot as a test case, RoboTales synchronizes narration, gestures, and mouth movements to perform character-driven stories. In a pilot study, puppet-based storytelling outperformed a gesture-only mode, producing higher HRIES ratings and improved story recall, suggesting that embodied puppetry enhances engagement and narrative comprehension. Designed to be modular and platform-agnostic, RoboTales can be adapted to other manipulators and offers a screen-free alternative to passive media, supporting future deployment in child-centered learning environments.

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Andrew Chen, Ju-Hung Chen, Phurinat Pinyomit, Alexis E. Block. 2026-06-24. RoboTales: ROBOTic Anthropomorphic LEarning Systems. https://doi.org/10.1145/3776734.3794600%2010.1145%2F3776734.3794600

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