Honda Human-AI Robotics Project Builds Trust in Students

Honda Supports Human-AI Robotics Education at Cal State Fullerton

The Honda Human-AI Robotics Project is receiving nearly $100,000 from Honda to support a one-year educational and research initiative at California State University, Fullerton. The project, titled “Building Trust in Human–AI Robotics Teaming for the Future Manufacturing Workforce,” focuses on helping engineering students understand how trust can be developed between people and robotic systems. Led by applied artificial intelligence researcher Bingling Huang, the initiative combines simulation-based research, human-factors education, and practical experience with simulated robots. More than 200 engineering students are expected to participate, giving them direct exposure to the challenges involved in human-AI collaboration within future manufacturing environments.

Project Focuses on Trust Between Humans and Robots

The initiative is led by Bingling Huang, who directs the Design for Intelligent Systems and Learning Laboratory in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at California State University, Fullerton. Huang emphasized the importance of trust in effective collaboration between people and artificial intelligence systems, stating, “Trust is a key factor in successful human-AI teaming for the future of manufacturing, just as it is in human teams.” The project therefore goes beyond technical interaction with robots by incorporating human factors into the learning process. Students will examine how people interact with AI systems while developing a deeper understanding of the conditions required for effective human-robot teamwork.

Students Will Gain Hands-On Simulation Experience

Through the one-year program, more than 200 engineering students will receive hands-on experience with simulation-based research and AI-related human factors. Students will work within a virtual manufacturing environment where they can interact with simulated robots, assign tasks, and observe how those robots respond. This approach is designed to connect classroom learning with practical experimentation while giving students an opportunity to study human-AI teaming in a controlled setting. The project also supports research and education simultaneously, allowing students to contribute to an environment that demonstrates how robotic systems may operate alongside human workers while requiring people to understand, evaluate, and develop appropriate levels of trust.

Honda Contribution Supports Future Manufacturing Workforce Skills

Honda’s contribution provides financial support for an educational effort centered on skills that are increasingly relevant to manufacturing environments involving artificial intelligence and robotics. By supporting the project at California State University, Fullerton, Honda is helping create opportunities for engineering students to study human factors alongside technical AI and robotics concepts. The program also gives participants experience with simulated manufacturing scenarios rather than limiting instruction to theoretical concepts. Its combination of research, education, robotics simulation, and human-AI interaction is intended to help students develop a broader understanding of how people and intelligent machines can work together in manufacturing settings.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The project highlights the importance of preparing manufacturing engineers to manage not only robotic technology but also the human factors that influence collaboration with AI systems. For Honda, supporting this type of education can connect industry participation with workforce development, while the university gains a practical environment for studying human-AI teaming. The program’s simulation-based approach may also provide students with experience that is relevant to manufacturing organizations adopting increasingly intelligent robotic systems. Over the one-year project, the results of student research and the virtual manufacturing environment could provide further insight into how education can address trust, task assignment, and human interaction as AI-enabled robotics becomes more integrated into manufacturing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Honda Human-AI Robotics Project?
The Honda Human-AI Robotics Project is a one-year initiative at California State University, Fullerton focused on human-AI teamwork in future manufacturing. Supported by nearly $100,000 from Honda, the project is led by Bingling Huang and will involve more than 200 engineering students. Participants will study human factors in AI systems, conduct simulation-based research, and develop a virtual manufacturing environment where they can interact with simulated robots, assign tasks, and observe robotic responses. The program combines research and education while examining how trust can support effective collaboration between humans and robots.