Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Tom Weber is a researcher specializing in human-robot interaction (HRI), explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), and social robotics. His work sits at a compelling intersection of cognitive science, machine learning, and human-computer interaction, addressing one of the most pressing challenges in modern robotics: how humans understand, trust, and cooperate with intelligent machines. Weber's most influential contribution, "Explain Yourself! Effects of Explanations in Human-Robot Interaction" (2022, 23 citations), investigates how robot-generated explanations shape user perceptions and trust — a critical question as autonomous systems become increasingly embedded in everyday life. Complementing this, his 2023 study on emotional robot behavior and its nuanced, task-dependent effects on trust and cooperation (11 citations) reveals the complex dynamics of anthropomorphic design choices. His work on the NICO robot platform further demonstrates his commitment to making XAI accessible to non-expert users in real-world HRI scenarios. Across his portfolio, Weber consistently bridges theoretical AI research and practical human factors, advancing our understanding of how transparency and social behavior in robots can be deliberately designed to foster collaboration. His growing citation record reflects an emerging voice whose ideas are shaping the future of trustworthy, human-centered robotics.