The social triad model: considering the deployer in a novel approach to trust in human–robot interaction

There is an increasing interest in considering, measuring, and implementing trust in human-robot interaction (HRI). New avenues in this field include identifying social means for robots to influence trust, and identifying social aspects of trust such as a perceptions of robots’ integrity, sincerity or even benevolence. However, questions remain regarding robots’ authenticity in obtaining trust through social means and their capacity to increase such experiences through social interaction with users. We propose that the dyadic model of HRI misses a key complexity: a robot’s trustworthiness may be contingent on the user’s relationship with, and opinion of, the individual or organisation deploying the robot (termed here, Deployer). We present a case study in three parts on researching HRI and a LEGO® Serious® Play focus group on care robotics to indicate how Users’ trust towards the Deployer can affect trust towards robots and robotic research. Our Social Triad model (User, Robot, Deployer) offers novel avenues for exploring trust in a social context.