Teaming with a Robot in Mixed Reality: Dynamics of Trust, Self-Efficacy, and Mental Models Affected by Information Richness

This study employs an innovative mixed-reality game to investigate trust, self-efficacy, and collaboration willingness with a mobile robot in relation to information and mental models. Previous research has demonstrated the significant impact of introductory information on technology use and trust, which further evolves over the course of interactions. Expanding on this, we explore new facets of information content through comprehensive measurements in two empirical studies: In study 1, 68 participants watched one of two video tutorials (high or low information richness) before collaborating with a physical robot in a shared virtual 3D environment. Repeated measures served to investigate temporal dynamics. In study 2, 37 participants additionally engaged in qualitative interviews to better understand how their mental models changed with increasing robot experience. Both tutorials were found to influence user trust and self-efficacy over time, with no significant differences between the two variants. Users valued information on how to communicate with the robot, but still relied on trial-and-error approaches. We argue for a moderating effect of information content and richness and highlight the need for carefully designed tutorials to enhance human-robot interaction.