Domain‐specific and domain‐general neural network engagement during human–robot interactions

To what extent do domain‐general and domain‐specific neural network engagement generalize across interactions with human and artificial agents? In this exploratory study, we analysed a publicly available functional MRI (fMRI) data set (n = 22) to probe the similarities and dissimilarities in neural architecture while participants conversed with another person or a robot. Incorporating trial‐by‐trial dynamics of the interactions, listening and speaking, we used whole‐brain, region‐of‐interest and functional connectivity analyses to test response profiles within and across social or non‐social, domain‐specific and domain‐general networks, that is, the person perception, theory‐of‐mind, object‐specific, language and multiple‐demand networks. Listening to a robot compared to a human resulted in higher activation in the language network, especially in areas associated with listening comprehension, and in the person perception network. No differences in activity of the theory‐of‐mind network were found. Results from the functional connectivity analysis showed no difference between interactions with a human or robot in within‐ and between‐network connectivity. Together, these results suggest that although largely similar regions are activated when speaking to a human and to a robot, activity profiles during listening point to a dissociation at a lower level or perceptual level, but not higher order cognitive level.