Thomas R. Groechel
Papers
19
Total Citations
224
H-Index
9
About
Thomas R. Groechel is a human-robot interaction (HRI) researcher whose work sits at the intersection of mixed reality, socially assistive robotics, and accessible technology. His research spans three interconnected areas: augmenting robot expressivity through virtual and mixed reality (VAM-HRI), developing affect-aware robotic tutors for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and improving telepresence systems for remote connection and education. Groechel's most cited contribution (41 citations) demonstrated how mixed reality "arms" can compensate for robots with limited physical expressivity—a creative, cost-conscious solution to a longstanding robotics challenge. His work on personalized, affect-aware SAR tutors (33 citations) addresses the significant gap in robots' ability to recognize atypical cognitive-affective behaviors in children with ASD during long-term interventions. His telepresence research (29 citations) has shed light on the human factors shaping effective remote embodiment, including practical applications for homebound K-12 students. Beyond empirical studies, Groechel has shaped his field's research culture by advocating for stronger recruitment and compensation reporting standards in HRI publications, improving reproducibility across the discipline. With over 180 cumulative citations, his body of work reflects a deep commitment to making robots more expressive, personalized, and genuinely useful for vulnerable populations.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 3Closeness is Key over Long Distances29 citations · 2020
- 4Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality for Human-Robot Interaction (VAM-HRI)21 citations · 2020
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