Kyoko Tanaka
Papers
3
Total Citations
35
H-Index
2
About
Kyoko Tanaka is a pioneering researcher in pediatric robot-assisted therapy, focusing on the use of social robots to improve emotional well-being in hospital settings. Her work centers on developing and evaluating group robot interventions (GRI) using Sony’s dog-like social robot, “aibo,” to alleviate distress, fear, and pain in pediatric inpatients and their caregivers. Tanaka’s major contributions include demonstrating the therapeutic potential of aibo in clinical environments, where robot interactions can reduce anxiety during stressful medical procedures like injections and immobilization. Her pilot study on GRI, published in 2021, has garnered 22 citations, highlighting its growing influence in the field. Despite a subsequent paper being retracted, her foundational work remains impactful, with a total of 35 citations across her key studies. Notably, Tanaka’s research bridges human-robot interaction and pediatric healthcare, offering a novel, non-pharmacological approach to patient support. Her innovative use of aibo in group settings has opened new avenues for exploring how social robots can enhance pediatric care, making her a notable figure in the intersection of technology and child health.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 3