@inproceedings {pub6549,
	title = {Understanding and Addressing Mental Model Mismatches in Human-Robot Teaching},
	author = {Phillip Richter AND Heiko Wersing AND Anna-Lisa Vollmer},
	year = {2026},
	month = {March},
	abstract = {A major challenge in human-robot interaction is the mental model mismatch, which arises when a human{\textquoteright}s understanding of a robot{\textquoteright}s capabilities differs from the robot{\textquoteright}s actual operational model. Such mismatches can result in ineffective teaching, suboptimal performance, and interaction breakdowns. This work aims to quantify and systematically categorize mental model mismatches by formalizing human expectations and comparing them with robot learning processes. We have developed metrics to measure mismatch and are currently developing a comprehensive taxonomy that identifies specific types of cognitive misalignments. By providing structured frameworks for understanding these mismatches, the goal is to enable targeted interventions fostering intuitive and effective cooperative learning between humans and robots.},
	publisher = {Robotics Institute Germany},
	booktitle = {2nd German Robotics Conference}
}