Negative feedback from robots is received better than that from humans: The effect of feedback on human–robot trust and collaboration

Intelligent robots continue to transcend their traditional roles as mere tools, evolving to actively engage in collaborative teamwork. Feedback from teammates is a critical component of effective team dynamics. This research investigates how feedback source (robot vs. human teammate) affects behavioral trust and intention for future collaboration through a functional task (Study 1) and a social task (Study 2). It further examines the mediating role of feedback acceptance and the moderating effect of feedback valence (positive vs. negative). The findings reveal that negative feedback from a robot teammate, compare to that from a human teammate, leads to a higher feedback acceptance, which further fosters greater behavioral trust and intention for future collaboration toward the robot. However, the source of positive feedback, whether from a robot or a human teammate, causes no significant differences in recipients’ responses. This research delineates the potential advantages of future robot colleagues in delivering negative feedback.