Are Robots Social Beings? Exploring Embodiment and Social Presence in Human-Robot Interactions

Sharni is a PhD candidate in the Discipline of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra. Her primary research focus is on examining HRI, with a primary focus on the embodiment and physical design, interaction, contextual, and psychological variables that affect how humans represent and interact with the robotic systems they encounter. In addition to completing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Hons), she has HRI-specific research experience conducting both in-person laboratory and real-world evaluations of HRI in social and healthcare contexts.

Buddhi Gamage is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Canberra, Australia. Originally from Sri Lanka and with a background in Computer Science, his research focuses on embodied artificial intelligence, cognitive robotics, and robot learning. His current work investigates world models, representation learning, and failure-aware robotic manipulation, with a particular interest in understanding how predictive representations can improve the robustness, generalisation, and interpretability of autonomous robotic systems. His broader research interests include embodied cognition, machine learning, human-robot interaction, and intelligent autonomous agents.

Professor Damith Herath is the Founder and director of the Collaborative Robotics Lab (CRL). His work explores how robots and humans can collaborate, with an emphasis on the intersection of engineering, psychology, and the arts. His interdisciplinary approach actively seeks insights across diverse fields, promoting innovation and collaboration that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Associate Professor Janie Busby Grant is the Psychology Research Lead at CRL, where her work integrates human-robot interaction and artificial intelligence with a foundation in cognitive psychology and research design. With a strong emphasis on practical applications, Janie brings a reconciliatory approach to interdisciplinary research, particularly in exploring factors influencing human perception of, and engagement with robotic systems.