Developing casual relationship with advisor I'm currently working for a professor in a research institution. The typical interaction with my advisor is as follows:


  Me: Hi! How was your weekend/conference/trips?
  
  Prof: Good. Do you have any results to report to me?
  
  Me: (Frantically take out my report) I've done this, that, and that like what you've told me.
  
  Prof: Good. Keep working on it. 
  
  Me: (Immediately leave the scene and get back to work)


While I understand that I cannot force him to have any casual conversation with me, it's bugging me that we talk about nothing but research everyday. I have almost no clue about who he is or what he does outside research. 

Based on other questions that I've read in this site, I have a feeling this is a norm in academia, though my relationship with my undergrad research advisor was much more friendlier and casual than my current advisor. 

My question is: How can I develop a more casual relationship with my advisor? Is this even desirable in academia?

Perhaps this is just my personal preference, but I'd like to have a more casual relationship with someone that I see everyday and talk to everyday. His office is located 5m away from my workspace, and I report to him 1-2 times a day. We also bump into each other numerous times in the corridor, and exchange awkward hi. I don't like to work with someone if I view him as an authoritative figure that only demands results from me, and I often get fearful to see him or talk to him, which I don't think is healthy. 

He is not a super-introvert that doesn't like talking to people, because I often see him laughing, talking, and joking around with other professors. That has never happened between two of us. 

Somewhat related, but not really: How to deal with an advisor who wants a “friendlier” relationship with me than I do?

How to maintain a good relationship with advisor when there is no need for it but I want it?

EDIT: This is in US, and he does not have any students right now, though he has had students in the past.
You stated a key point


  Perhaps this is just my personal preference, but I'd like to have a more casual relationship with someone that I see everyday and talk to everyday.


It could very well be that his personal preference to take time to foster the kind of relationship that you describe - it could also be a case of him not feeling comfortable have a casual relationship with his employees/advisees. There is no way to really know how long he has known the other professors that he speaks and laughs with.

You can not and should not force it. This is very important, some people recoil when people try and force these kinds of things.

To be honest, based on the conversation snippet, it sounds like he is not being rude at all, but just is focused on the task and on maintaining positive progress.

It is not a bad thing to have a strong working relationship - a polite and productive relationship is beneficial to many working relationships. I would suggest to focus on that aspect.