Two is better than one: The effect of multiple robots in human-robot interaction

About the Project

A large literature has shown that multiple robots in socially assistive roles perform better than a single robot in the same role (Li et al., accepted). It is still unclear why this is the case. Multiple robots have the potential to deliver content and provide social support in a more diverse way with multiple agents, though the conditions that warrant the increased financial and development cost remain unclear. The use cases for multiple robots and the design considerations for their use remain underexplored, yet could help researchers and designers better understand guidelines surrounding the use of multiple robots in social contexts. An initial design study that looks at multiple robots that do and do not use cross-agent banter (i.e., the robots either talk to each other or only talk to the user) will attempt to isolate one such factor. Further studies may identify other design factors that may influence the effect of multiple robots in human-robot interaction.

This PhD work will use multiple socially assistive robots in our lab that will be available for the student.

Academic qualifications

Have, or expect to achieve by the time of start of the studentship a first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, ideally in Human-Computer Interaction, Human-Robot Interaction, Artificial Intelligence, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Psychology, Communication, Sociology or equivalent.

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

• Good fundamental knowledge of Human-Computer Interaction, User-Centred Design, Prototyping
• Research Methods
• Good reading and writing skills
• Previous experience with user studies
• Independence in running studies
• Only a first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level in a subject relevant to the PhD project will be considered, or equivalent achievements.

Desirable attributes:

• Practical experience in research or industry will be considered an advantage.

When applying click here

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (download)
• Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about:
  1. Background and motivation of the project. The motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
  2. Research questions or objectives.
  3. Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
  4. List of references.

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

To be considered, the application must use

• the advertised title as project title

For informal enquiries about this PhD project, please contact Dr Jamy Li via J.Li3@napier.ac.uk

References

Li, J., Bielinski, A., & Goddard, C. (accepted 22 August 2025). The Benefit of Multi-robot Socially Interactive Systems: A Survey of Controlled Experiments. Proceedings of the British Computer Society’s Special Interest Group in Human Computer Interaction Conference (BCS HCI 2025). 11 pages.