Trust in Human-Robot Interaction
Primary supervisor
Additional supervisors
- Clare Dixon
Contact admissions office
Other projects with the same supervisor
- Security-Minded Verification for Autonomous Systems
- Formal Verification of Robot Teams or Human Robot Interaction
- Formal Verification for Robot Swams and Wirelss Sensor Networks
- Cognitive Robotics and Human Robot Interaction
Funding
- Directly Funded Project (European/UK Students Only)
This research project has funding attached. Funding for this project is available to citizens of a number of European countries (including the UK). In most cases this will include all EU nationals. However full funding may not be available to all applicants and you should read the full department and project details for further information.
Project description
The use of multiagent systems in various industries has increased significantly in recent years. Multiagent systems involving robots are designed to work alongside humans, and hence, it is crucial to understand the factors that affect human-multiagent interaction (HMI). One such factor is trust, which plays a critical role in the effective collaboration of humans and multiagent systems. This project aims to investigate the impact of errors made by robots on the level of trust in a multiagent HRI scenario and the role of explanations provided by robots in enhancing trust levels in HMI scenarios.
The main objectives of this project are:
- Investigate the effect of errors made by robots on the level of trust in a multiagent HRI scenario
- Measure how a mistake committed by one robot affects the level of trust in another robot
- Explore the role of explanations provided by robots in enhancing trust levels in HMI scenarios
- Investigate whether explanations provided by the robot who did not commit an error can mitigate the negative effects of errors on trust
- Determine whether certain types of explanations are more effective than others
This PhD post is part of the new EPSRC Prosperity project "CRADLE", a collaboration between the University of Manchester and the industry partner Jacobs. CRADLE will deliver novel and transformational robotics technologies for demanding environments, such as space, nuclear, energy generation and urban infrastructure, allowing the benefits promised by this technology to be realised across wide sectors of UK industry. The student will be part of cohort of 12 PhD students.
Deadline for applciation: 28 July 2023
Person specification
For information
- Candidates must hold a minimum of an upper Second Class UK Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant science or engineering discipline.
- Candidates must meet the School's minimum English Language requirement.
- Candidates will be expected to comply with the University's policies and practices of equality, diversity and inclusion.
Essential
Applicants will be required to evidence the following skills and qualifications.
- You must be capable of performing at a very high level.
- You must have a self-driven interest in uncovering and solving unknown problems and be able to work hard and creatively without constant supervision.
Desirable
Applicants will be required to evidence the following skills and qualifications.
- You will have good time management.
- You will possess determination (which is often more important than qualifications) although you'll need a good amount of both.
General
Applicants will be required to address the following.
- Comment on your transcript/predicted degree marks, outlining both strong and weak points.
- Discuss your final year Undergraduate project work - and if appropriate your MSc project work.
- How well does your previous study prepare you for undertaking Postgraduate Research?
- Why do you believe you are suitable for doing Postgraduate Research?