Exploring the Influence of Self-Avatar Similarity on Human-Robot Trust

Avatars as digital portrayals of humans play a pivotal role in fostering embodiment and immersion in virtual reality (VR) environments by providing users with a visual representation of their virtual presence. In the context of human-robot interaction (HRI), understanding the dynamics of trust formation between humans and avatars are essential for successful collaboration and communication. This study methodically investigates the effect of the similarity between players and their avatars on the establishment of trust between human users and robots in a VR environment. Our research implies that enhancing the resemblance of self-avatars boosts trust dynamics in human-robot interactions, yet it doesn’t necessarily foster cooperation. Moreover, this research highlights the importance of designing virtual avatars and robots that can effectively communicate and adapt to user preferences, thereby fostering a more engaging and productive HRI experience in VR environments.