Cognitive Alignment Mechanisms in Embodied Intelligence-Based Human-Robot Collaboration: A Neurocognitive and Behavioral Perspective

Authors

  • Marcus H. Schmidt *

    Department of Psychology and Neural Science, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland

Keywords:

Embodied Intelligence; Human-Robot Collaboration; Cognitive Alignment; Neurocognitive Mechanisms; Inter-Brain Synchronization; Predictive Coding

Abstract

Embodied intelligence (EI) has become a pivotal paradigm for human-robot collaboration (HRC), anchoring robots’ cognition in physical environmental and human interactions. However, cognitive alignment—the synchronization of perceptual, attentional and decision-making processes between humans and embodied robots—remains underexplored. This study combined EEG/fNIRS neurocognitive experiments and behavioral analyses to investigate its mechanisms via a collaborative assembly task, comparing EI-driven adaptive robots with traditional preprogrammed ones. Behavioral results showed EI robots boosted task efficiency by 23.6% and user satisfaction by 31.2%. Neurocognitive data revealed enhanced theta/alpha inter-brain synchronization (IBS) in theory-of-mind (TPJ) and action-observation (PMd) regions underpins cognitive alignment, modulated by robots’ haptic/kinesthetic embodied feedback. These findings elucidate EI-HRC’s neurocognitive underpinnings and guide seamless human-robot integration design.

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Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (December 2025)

Section

Articles