Chihiro Kawai

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About

Chihiro Kawai is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of gerontology, nursing science, and human-robot interaction, with a primary focus on how healthcare robots can support Japan’s rapidly aging society. Her most influential work, a 2021 qualitative descriptive analysis of interactions between healthcare robots and older adults, has garnered 21 citations and provides foundational insights into the nuanced, real-world dynamics of robot-assisted elder care. By observing these interactions in two healthcare institutions, Kawai revealed critical patterns in how elderly individuals engage with robotic companions, moving beyond technical performance to emphasize emotional and social dimensions. Her earlier 2019 paper, though less cited, broke important ground by identifying the intermediary role of Public Health Nurses (PHNs) in deploying Communication Robots (CRs) within community health practice. This work highlights her unique contribution: bridging the gap between robotic technology and frontline healthcare professionals. Kawai’s research is notable for its qualitative rigor and its practical implications for workforce planning in super-aged societies, making her a key voice in debates about technology-mediated care and the evolving role of nurses in an automated future.