Arisa Ema

Papers

Total Citations

171

H-Index

About

Arisa Ema is a leading researcher at the intersection of artificial intelligence, robotics, and society, whose work critically examines how emerging technologies reshape human labor and social structures. Her most influential studies focus on the real-world implications of automation, particularly through groundbreaking fieldwork at the world's first robot hotel, where she analyzed how robots actually transform—rather than simply replace—human work. With her 2017 papers garnering 69 and 61 citations respectively, Ema has fundamentally challenged conventional narratives about job displacement, demonstrating that automation changes tasks rather than entire occupations, and revealing the nuanced risks and benefits of human-robot collaboration. Her expertise extends to the unintended consequences of digital transitions, as shown in her 36-citation study surveying Japanese experts on the societal impacts of algorithmic governance. More recently, Ema has pioneered research on avatar robots in educational settings, exploring how these technologies can maintain social connections for children unable to attend school in person. Her work uniquely bridges technical implementation with ethical and societal considerations, making her a vital voice in responsible AI development and human-centered robotics policy.