Lara Cramer
Papers
1
Total Citations
3
H-Index
1
About
Lara Cramer is a researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and sensory psychology, with a focus on how non-visual cues—particularly olfaction—influence trust and cooperation between humans and machines. Her most-cited work, “No Evidence for an Effect of the Smell of Hexanal on Trust in Human–Robot Interaction” (2022), rigorously tested whether the grassy scent of hexanal, known to boost interpersonal trust among people, could similarly enhance trust in robots. Despite the molecule’s documented effects in human studies, Cramer’s experiment found no significant impact, a null result that challenges assumptions about cross-domain transfer of social cues and underscores the complexity of designing emotionally resonant robotic systems. With 3 citations to date, this study has already sparked discussion in HRI and affective computing circles, serving as a cautionary tale against oversimplified anthropomorphism. Cramer’s work is notable for its methodological precision and its willingness to publish negative findings—a rare and valuable contribution that helps refine theoretical models of trust in human-machine interaction. Her research invites future exploration into other sensory modalities and contexts where smell might yet play a role.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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