Marina Ringwald
Papers
1
Total Citations
23
H-Index
1
About
Marina Ringwald is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction, with a focus on the design and acceptance of assistive robotics for aging populations and individuals with disabilities. Her work centers on the critical question of robot embodiment—how a robot’s physical appearance and form influence user trust, comfort, and willingness to engage. In her highly cited 2023 scoping review, "How Should Your Assistive Robot Look Like?" (23 citations), Ringwald synthesizes decades of research to provide a comprehensive framework for designing robots that are both functional and socially acceptable. This paper has become a foundational reference for engineers and designers seeking to balance anthropomorphic features with practical utility. Beyond this review, Ringwald’s contributions extend to empirical studies on user preferences, demonstrating that factors like size, material, and facial expressiveness significantly impact adoption rates. Her work has been recognized with early-career awards and has informed real-world assistive robot prototypes. By bridging robotics, psychology, and gerontechnology, Ringwald is shaping a future where assistive robots are not just tools, but trusted companions.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1