The Role of Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication in Human–Robot Interaction: Models and Applications in Academic Contexts

This paper explores the role of verbal and non-verbal communication in human–robot interaction (HRI), with a specific focus on educational and academic contexts. Verbal communication in social robots serves not only to deliver information but also to facilitate social and emotional engagement, particularly through dialogue, speech acts, and instructional discourse. Non-verbal communication—including gaze, gestures, facial expressions, and body posture—enhances trust, regulates dialogue, and supports inclusive learning by increasing the robot's perceived social competence. The integration of verbal and non-verbal channels creates a multimodal interaction framework that improves cognitive processing, student motivation, and engagement. Drawing on models such as Speech Act Theory, Joint Action Theory, Embodied Communication, and Multimodal Alignment, the study presents research-based insights and practical applications using robots like NAO and Pepper in university settings. The findings emphasize the importance of adaptive, socially appropriate robot behavior for building trust and fostering deeper learning, especially among diverse student populations.