Karen Irvine
Papers
3
Total Citations
175
H-Index
2
About
Dr. Karen Irvine is a leading researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and developmental psychology, whose work is fundamentally reshaping how technology supports autistic children and young people. Her primary research areas include robot-assisted therapy, social robotics, and the translation of assistive technologies into real-world clinical and educational settings. Dr. Irvine’s most significant contribution is her landmark systematic review and meta-analysis on the use of social robots with autistic youth, which has garnered 119 citations and serves as a foundational reference for the field. This work critically synthesized the evidence base, establishing the promise of robot-mediated interventions while highlighting the need for rigorous trials. She further advanced the field by leading a feasibility study for the Kaspar robot—a humanoid designed to improve social skills—publishing the protocol for a randomized controlled trial (54 citations) that paved the way for more robust experimental designs. Demonstrating a commitment to stakeholder-centered research, Dr. Irvine has also explored the knowledge and preferences of parents and carers regarding technology devices. Her work is notable for bridging the gap between engineering innovation and clinical practice, ensuring that technological interventions are both evidence-based and aligned with the needs of families.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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