Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Adriel Chua’s research lies at the compelling intersection of human-robot interaction (HRI) and social robotics, with a particular focus on how robots can effectively elicit help from humans. Her most influential work, “The effect of social-cognitive recovery strategies on likability, capability and trust in social robots” (100 citations), explores how robots can repair social trust after errors, a critical challenge for real-world deployment. Chua’s core contribution challenges the traditional HRI paradigm that robots are always the helpers; instead, she investigates scenarios where robots must request human assistance. Her papers “Help! I Can’t Reach the Buttons” (17 citations) and “Robot-stated limitations but not intentions promote user assistance” (13 citations) demonstrate that when robots transparently communicate their limitations—rather than their intentions—people are more willing to help. This insight has practical implications for designing robotic assistants that operate in complex, unpredictable environments. Chua also contributed to the ROBO-GUIDE project, which aimed to develop safe and trustworthy robotic assistants for multi-floor navigation, including a notable paper on lift operation. Her work on robot personalities after errors (8 citations) further enriches our understanding of sustained user engagement. With over 140 total citations, Chua’s research provides foundational knowledge for building robots that are not only competent but also socially adept at navigating the delicate dynamics of human-robot teamwork.