Neele Kemper

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About

Neele Kemper is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on the psychological and social dimensions of physical contact between humans and robots. Her work explores how embodiment and touch shape human attitudes toward robots, a critical yet underexplored area as robots become more prevalent in daily life. In her highly cited 2009 paper, *Touched by robots: effects of physical contact and proactiveness*, she conducted a video-based experiment with 199 participants to investigate how physical touch and a robot’s proactive behavior influence human perceptions and emotional responses. This study, which has garnered 4 citations, was among the first to systematically examine the nuanced effects of tactile interaction in human-robot encounters. Kemper’s contributions have helped lay the groundwork for designing more socially adept and acceptable robots, particularly in caregiving, service, and collaborative settings. Her research is essential reading for students and scholars interested in the intersection of robotics, psychology, and human factors.