The Role of Trust in Human-Robot Interaction: A Perspective on Factors Influencing Trust Development

Trust is a fundamental determinant of successful human-robot interaction (HRI), shaping user acceptance, reliance, and collaboration with robotic systems. This paper examines trust development in HRI through the lens of Social Exchange Theory (SET), emphasizing key influencing factors such as reliability, transparency, predictability, and social behavior. Trust plays a pivotal role in various domains, including healthcare, manufacturing, and autonomous systems, where user confidence in robotic performance is crucial for effective adoption. By analyzing empirical research, this study highlights strategies to foster trust and mitigate challenges associated with human-robot collaboration. Recommendations for designing transparent, consistent, and socially intelligent robotic systems are provided to enhance trust and usability in different sectors.