Research trends in entertainment robots: A comprehensive review of the literature from 1998 to 2024
Abstract
Entertainment robots, a subset of social robots designed to engage users, constitute a crucial dimension of human–robot interaction. However, current research predominantly focuses on technical advancements, leaving non-technical aspects, such as user experience and emotional engagement, underexplored. This study examines the research trends and gaps in the field of entertainment robots through a bibliometric analysis of 237 academic works published between 1998 and 2024 and a systematic literature review of 26 non-technical studies published since 2016. The bibliometric analysis reveals a decline in publications after 2022 and highlights that most research has been conducted from a technical perspective, while the literature review identifies a lack of understanding of the human-centered aspects of entertainment robots, including emotional responses and long-term engagement. This study emphasizes the need for future research that address these gaps and is aligned with industry needs, particularly highlighting that more research is needed on user-centered designs that enhance human–robot interaction in entertainment contexts.
Identifier Metadata
| Identifier | 110.0229/INT.2026.00203 |
| Canonical | mdoi:110.0229/INT.2026.00203 |
| Resolver URL | https://mdoi.org/110.0229/INT.2026.00203 |
| Resource URL | Open resource |
| Document URL | Open document |
| Content Type | Article |
| Authors | Min Hyeok Kang , Seongcheol Kim |
| Year | 2025 |
| Depositor | International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies and Innovative Researchs Organisation |
| Prefix | 110.0229 |
| Registered | June 19, 2026 |
| Updated | June 19, 2026 |
| Status | Active |
| Visibility | Public |
Cite This Identifier
APA 7th Edition
Click to copy
MLA 9th Edition
Click to copy
Chicago 17th Edition
Click to copy
BibTeX
Click to copy
Persistent Identifier
mdoi:110.0229/INT.2026.00203Click to copy