This special issue addresses social robots and human-robot interaction (HRI), exploring how physical robots integrated with network infrastructure and cloud services interact with humans. The collection examines how concepts like the Uncanny Valley theory influence robot design, particularly regarding anthropomorphic and zoomorphic features that help robots gain user trust through emotional expression, gesture, and speech recognition.
The issue emphasizes the critical role of artificial intelligence technologies, including generative AI and machine learning, in enabling advanced social robot capabilities. It seeks interdisciplinary contributions spanning social science, computer science, decision science, and information systems, with emphasis on practical applications in healthcare, education, entertainment, and other domains.