Wiktoria Laura Drela
Papers
1
Total Citations
2
H-Index
1
About
Wiktoria Laura Drela is a rising researcher in Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), with a focus on the psychological and physiological dimensions of touch. Her work explores how people respond to tactile contact with robotic systems, particularly examining how anthropomorphic framing—the degree to which a robot is perceived as human-like—shapes emotional and physiological arousal. In her most-cited paper, "Touching a Mechanical Body" (2023), Drela investigates how human-initiated touch influences heart rate and skin conductance during robot interactions, revealing that even subtle design cues can significantly alter user experience. This research bridges robotics, cognitive science, and affective computing, offering critical insights for designing more intuitive and socially acceptable robots. With two citations already in a short time, her work is gaining traction in the growing field of social robotics. Drela’s contributions are particularly relevant for applications in healthcare, assistive technology, and collaborative environments, where touch is a key mode of communication. Her findings challenge assumptions about human-robot boundaries and pave the way for more empathetic, responsive robotic systems.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
- 1