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About
Aya Nakae is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of social robotics and pain neuroscience, whose work explores how non-human agents can modulate human pain perception. Her most cited study, "The Potential of a Robot Presence in Close Relationship to Influence Human Responses to Experimental Pain" (2025, 3 citations), investigates whether a communication robot named Moffuly can reduce pain perception and alter hormonal responses in healthy participants. This innovative research addresses a critical healthcare challenge—pain management exacerbated by loneliness and emotional distress—by examining the therapeutic potential of robotic companionship. Nakae’s work bridges robotics, psychology, and clinical medicine, offering novel insights into how social presence, even from a non-human entity, can influence physiological and subjective pain experiences. Her contributions open new avenues for non-pharmacological pain interventions, particularly for patients in isolation or with limited social support. As an emerging scholar, Nakae’s research has already garnered attention for its interdisciplinary approach and practical implications, positioning her at the forefront of human-robot interaction studies in healthcare. Her work promises to reshape how we think about pain relief in an increasingly technology-mediated world.
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