Alexander Henne
Papers
1
Total Citations
19
H-Index
1
About
Alexander Henne’s research sits at the vital intersection of human-robot interaction, gerontechnology, and mental health. His most-cited work, “A Wizard of Oz Approach to Robotic Therapy for Older Adults With Depressive Symptoms” (2021, 19 citations), pioneers a novel methodology for delivering psychotherapy to a historically underserved population: older adults with late-life depression and comorbid cognitive decline. By employing a “Wizard of Oz” paradigm—where a human operator remotely controls a social robot’s responses—Henne demonstrates how robotic platforms can bridge the gap between traditional therapy and the needs of patients who are often excluded from psychotherapy and instead treated with antidepressants. This contribution is particularly significant given the growing evidence base for psychotherapy in the last two decades, which Henne’s work directly extends into the realm of assistive robotics. His approach not only challenges the default reliance on medication for this vulnerable group but also provides a scalable, ethically-grounded framework for future robotic interventions. Henne’s research is a compelling call to reimagine mental health care for aging populations, proving that technology, when thoughtfully designed, can be a powerful ally in restoring dignity and well-being.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1