Reina Shimizu

Papers

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About

Reina Shimizu is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and affective computing, with a primary focus on how robots can engage in emotionally resonant social exchanges. Her work explores the nuanced dynamics of social sharing of emotions between humans and robots, particularly investigating how a robot’s nonverbal behavior—such as gestures, posture, and gaze—can influence and modulate human emotional states. In her most-cited paper, "Social Sharing of Emotions with Robots and the Influence of a Robot’s Nonverbal Behavior on Human Emotions" (2020), Shimizu demonstrated that robots can serve as effective partners for emotional disclosure, with their nonverbal cues significantly shaping users’ emotional responses. This foundational study, which has garnered early citations, positions her as a key contributor to the growing field of socially assistive robotics. Shimizu’s research holds profound implications for designing empathetic robotic companions in healthcare, education, and therapy, where emotional support is critical. Her work not only advances theoretical understanding of human-robot emotional bonding but also provides practical guidelines for developing robots that can perceive, interpret, and respond to human feelings, paving the way for more intuitive and caring autonomous systems.