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Human Robot Interaction Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

$18/hr

We are seeking a graduate-level research part-time researcher to conduct interdisciplinary research at the intersection of robotics, human-robot interaction (HRI), and some familiarity with U.S ...

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Human Robot Interaction Research information

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$106K

$142.5K

How much do human robot interaction research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for human robot interaction research in the United States is $106,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $104,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Human Robot Interaction Research vs Human Factors Specialist?

AspectHuman Robot Interaction ResearchHuman Factors Specialist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees in robotics, HRI, or related fieldsDegrees in psychology, ergonomics, or human factors
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, tech companiesIndustrial settings, healthcare, transportation
Industry UsageDeveloping and testing robot-human interfacesOptimizing systems for human usability and safety
Search & Comparison IntentResearch roles focused on robot-human interactionRoles focused on human-system usability

While both roles focus on human-centered design, Human Robot Interaction Research specializes in developing and studying interactions between humans and robots, often in research or development settings. Human Factors Specialists focus on improving overall system usability and safety across various industries. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Human Robot Interaction Research, and why are they important?

To excel in Human Robot Interaction Research, a strong background in computer science, robotics, psychology, or related fields—often at the graduate level—is essential. Familiarity with programming languages (such as Python or C++), robotics platforms (like ROS), and data analysis tools, as well as experience with experimental design, are typically required. Excellent communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills help researchers design effective studies and interpret complex human-robot dynamics. These competencies are crucial for advancing the field, ensuring usability, and developing technologies that integrate seamlessly into human environments.

What is Human Robot Interaction (HRI) research?

Human Robot Interaction (HRI) research is an interdisciplinary field that studies how humans and robots communicate, collaborate, and coexist. This research explores topics such as designing intuitive interfaces, understanding human behaviors, and improving the safety and effectiveness of robots in various environments. HRI researchers often work at the intersection of robotics, psychology, computer science, and engineering to create robots that can interact with people in meaningful and socially appropriate ways. The ultimate goal is to make robots more useful, accessible, and acceptable companions or collaborators in daily life, workplaces, and specialized settings.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working in Human Robot Interaction (HRI) research?

Professionals in Human Robot Interaction research often encounter challenges such as designing experiments that accurately capture real-world human behaviors, ensuring robust communication between humans and robots, and managing interdisciplinary collaboration among computer scientists, engineers, and social scientists. Additionally, HRI researchers must address issues of user acceptance, safety, and ethical considerations when developing and testing new technologies. Navigating these complexities requires strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset to create meaningful advancements in how humans and robots interact.
More about Human Robot Interaction Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Human Robot Interaction Research jobs? Cities with the most Human Robot Interaction Research job openings:
What states have the most Human Robot Interaction Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Human Robot Interaction Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Human Robot Interaction Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Human Robot Interaction Research jobs are:
Human Robot Interaction Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Human Robot Interaction Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,012 per year, or $51 per hour.
Internship - Human-Robot Interaction

Internship - Human-Robot Interaction

Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories

Cambridge, MA

Other

Medical

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

MERL is seeking a highly motivated and qualified intern to conduct research on human-robot interaction. There are several research topics of interest, including foundation models, shared autonomy, object handovers, learning from feedback, and safety in close proximity. Applicants must be Ph.D. students with strong backgrounds in robot learning or computer vision. The selected intern will collaborate closely with MERL researchers to design and implement novel algorithms, conduct experiments, and disseminate research findings through a top-tier conference. The start date and duration are flexible, and interested applicants are encouraged to apply with an updated CV and a list of relevant publications.

Required Specific Experience

  • Demonstrated experience in human-robot interaction, robot learning, or vision-language models
  • Experience with ROS2, Python, and deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch
  • Current enrollment in a Ph.D. program
  • A strong publication record or demonstrated research potential

The pay range for this internship position will be 6-8K per month.

Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs, Inc. "MERL" provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, MERL complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

MERL expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of MERLs employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Working at MERL requires full authorization to work in the U.S and access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls. Employment is conditioned on continued full authorization to work in the U.S and the availability of government authorization for the release of these items, which might include without limitation, obtaining an export license or other documentation. MERL may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to MERL facilities and information systems, as MERL deems appropriate, to ensure practical compliance with applicable employment law and government access control restrictions.

In addition to base pay, interns receive a relocation stipend, covered travel to and from MERL, and a monthly Charlie Card for local commuting. Interns are invited to participate in weekly social gatherings and professional development opportunities, including research talks by both internal and external speakers. Interns who meet the 90-day waiting period are also eligible for health insurance coverage. MERL provides immigration support for qualified candidates as needed. Employment is considered at-will, and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary or any other compensation program at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, departmental or Company performance, and market conditions.

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