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About

Jodi Forlizzi is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction (HRI) and interaction design, whose work bridges the gap between technical robotics and the complex social dynamics of everyday life. Her key research areas include understanding how robots integrate into human environments—from homes to workplaces—and how these machines transition from mere tools to social products. Forlizzi’s major contributions are grounded in ethnographic and design-based studies that reveal the critical roles of workflow, social context, and environmental factors in shaping successful human-robot collaboration. Her highly cited work, such as "Robots in organizations" (2008, 41 citations) and "How robotic products become social products" (2007, 32 citations), demonstrates how robots must be designed not just for functionality but for social acceptance and long-term interaction. She also led the design of the Snackbot (2009, 15 citations), a notable long-term HRI project that documented the iterative process of creating a robot capable of sustained, meaningful engagement. Forlizzi’s research has profoundly influenced how designers and engineers think about robot behavior, privacy, and adaptability, making her a leading voice in creating robots that are not only predictable but also socially intelligent.