Kheng Lee Koay
Papers
84
Total Citations
5,125
H-Index
37
About
Kheng Lee Koay is a pioneering researcher in Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), whose work has fundamentally shaped our understanding of how humans perceive, relate to, and share space with domestic and companion robots. Based primarily at the University of Hertfordshire, Koay has made landmark contributions to the emerging field of social robotics, particularly in exploring how robots can be designed and programmed to integrate naturally into everyday home environments. His most influential work, "What is a Robot Companion?" (2005, 530 citations), laid essential groundwork for understanding public attitudes toward home robots, while his studies on proxemics — the spatial dynamics between humans and robots — revealed that personality traits meaningfully influence how close people are comfortable being with machines. His research on the uncanny valley (435 citations) offered critical insights into robot appearance and behavioral consistency, and his methodological contributions comparing live versus video-based HRI trials helped standardize experimental practices across the field. With a portfolio of highly cited longitudinal and empirical studies, including investigations into habituation effects and negative attitudes toward robots, Koay has collectively amassed over 2,500 citations, cementing his reputation as an essential voice in designing robots that are socially acceptable, intuitive, and genuinely useful companions for human life.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1What is a robot companion - friend, assistant or butler?530 citations · 2005
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- 3How may I serve you?340 citations · 2006
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