Authors: Sameer Agarwal, Vaibhav Kalukar
Abstract: Human–Robot Interaction (HRI) is an interdisciplinary field that examines how humans communicate, collaborate, and coexist with robotic systems. With major advancements in artificial intelligence, sensor technologies, and automation, robots are increasingly becoming interactive partners in healthcare, manufacturing, education, and personal assistance. This research investigates current trends in HRI, emphasizing the shift from traditional command-based systems to socially aware, adaptive, and collaborative robots. A qualitative review methodology is used to analyze studies published between 2015 and 2024, focusing on social robots, industrial cobots, healthcare and assistive robotics, and service-oriented systems. Findings reveal rapid growth in socially interactive robots, widespread adoption of collaborative robots in industry, and enhanced communication through AI-driven speech, gesture, and emotion recognition. Despite challenges such as limited emotional intelligence, ethical concerns, and high costs, the increasing integration of robots into human environments highlights significant potential for future development. The study concludes that HRI will play a crucial role in shaping intelligent, human-centric robotic systems, requiring continued research in transparency, trust, and ethical design.