Human-Computer vs. Human-Robot Interaction in Healthcare: A Comparative Study of Applications, Challenges, and Synergies

With the progression of healthcare technology, user engagement becomes vital for system usability, efficiency, and acceptance. Two paradigms are salient: Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), which are reshaping patient, clinician, and caregiver interactions with digital health platforms. HCI centers on interface-driven engagement via screen-based programs such as telemedicine platforms and computerized physician order entry, while HRI explores embodied, physical engagement via robots for surgery, aged care, and rehabilitation. This article presents a comparative analysis of HCI and HRI in healthcare, highlighting strengths, limitations, and complementarities. We examine design dimensions such as emotional engagement, scalability, and context awareness through real-world case studies. Finally, we propose strategies for future integration and hybrid interaction systems