Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Basel Alhaji is an emerging researcher whose work sits at the intersection of human-robot interaction (HRI), trust dynamics, and collaborative robotics. His research focuses on understanding how trust develops, evolves, and influences the outcomes of human-robot collaboration, particularly in industrial and physical interaction contexts. Alhaji's most cited work, "Trust dynamics in human interaction with an industrial robot" (2024, 25 citations), examines the nuanced ways trust functions differently in hybrid human-robot teams compared to purely interpersonal collaboration. Building on this foundation, his 2021 study "Trust Dynamics and Verbal Assurances in Human Robot Physical Collaboration" (23 citations) explores how verbal communication strategies can shape trust levels and mitigate over- and under-reliance on robotic systems — a critical challenge in safe human-robot teaming. A distinctive contribution of Alhaji's research is his exploration of both sides of the trust equation. In "Trust, but Verify" (2021), he proposes a computational model for robot-initiated trust, enabling robots to adapt their behavior based on human predictability. His work on robot speed and proximity further bridges safety, comfort, and trust perception in collaborative settings. Collectively, his research advances the design of safer, more intuitive, and trustworthy human-robot partnerships.