Bo Young Kim
Papers
1
Total Citations
22
H-Index
1
About
Bo Young Kim explores the evolving frontier of human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on the emotional bonds people form with robotic companions. Her most cited work, "Man’s New Best Friend? Strengthening Human-Robot Dog Bonding by Enhancing the Doglikeness of Sony’s Aibo" (2020, 22 citations), investigates how design choices—such as framing a robot as a "puppy" versus a "robot," or adding fur—can significantly influence users’ attachment to commercial robotic dogs like Sony’s Aibo. Through a carefully designed 2x2 between-subjects experiment, Kim demonstrates that subtle anthropomorphic cues can deepen human-robot relationships, challenging assumptions about what makes a machine feel like a friend. This research bridges psychology, design, and robotics, offering practical insights for creating more engaging and emotionally resonant robotic products. Though early in her career, Kim’s work has already sparked interest in how we might design robots that feel less like tools and more like family members, contributing to a growing body of knowledge on social robotics and human-centered technology.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1