Papers
15
Total Citations
726
H-Index
11
About
Barbara Klein is a pioneering researcher whose work sits at the intersection of assistive robotics, gerontechnology, and elder care. Her scholarship focuses on how robotic systems can enhance the quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities, with particular emphasis on emotional well-being, social acceptance, and independent living. Klein's most influential contribution, a 2013 randomized controlled trial examining the therapeutic effects of the companion robot PARO on emotional expression in dementia patients, has garnered over 320 citations and helped establish the evidence base for socially assistive robotics in residential care settings. Her comparative cross-national research on emotional robotics in the UK and Germany further broadened the field's geographic and cultural scope. Klein has also made significant contributions to the development of practical assistive technologies, including robotic shower systems and eating aids, demonstrating a commitment to translating research into real-world applications. Her participatory design work underscores her dedication to centering the voices of users with motor disabilities throughout the development process. With publications spanning German and English and a cumulative citation record reflecting sustained international impact, Klein stands as a leading figure in human-robot interaction research for aging populations.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 3A robotic shower system63 citations · 2017
- 4Emotionale Roboter im Pflegekontext61 citations · 2017
- 5Emotional Robots40 citations · 2013
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- 10Servicerobotik für den demografischen Wandel22 citations · 2013