SOCIAL ROBOT WITH ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL FEATURE

A method and apparatus for controlling a social robot includes operating an electronic output device based on social interactions between the social robot and a user. The social robot utilizes an algorithm or other logical solution process to infer a user mental state, for example a mood or desire, based on observation of the social interaction. Based on the inferred mental state, the social robot causes an action of the electronic output device to be selected. Actions may include, for example, playing a selected video clip, brewing a cup of coffee, or adjusting window blinds.