Examining initial trust development and trusting intentions toward humanoid social robots

Humanoid social robots (HSRs) collect personal data and offer personalized services, fostering user reliance. Unlike passive tools, HSRs actively engage in interactions, making initial trust – formed before direct experience – critical for user acceptance. Despite its importance in reducing uncertainty and shaping first impressions, initial trust remains underexplored. To address this gap, we developed a model of initial trust formation and tested it through a study with 375 U.S. participants. The results supported five out of nine hypotheses, offering actionable insights for businesses and policymakers. Key factors such as structural assurance, perceived service benefits, and reputation play a pivotal role in cultivating early trust, thereby enhancing adoption and acceptance of HSRs.