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About

Claudia Muhl is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction (HRI), with a focus on designing robots that communicate naturally and intuitively with humans. Her work bridges robotics, cognitive science, and social psychology, exploring how robots can learn from human demonstrations—inspired by parent-infant interactions—and how they can provide appropriate feedback in asymmetric interactions. Muhl’s research also investigates the social dynamics of HRI, including how disturbances affect people’s willingness to engage with robots and how to construct a shared communicative space. Her most cited paper, “Understanding Social Robots” (2009), with 244 citations, critically examines the field’s dual emphasis on algorithmic capabilities and aesthetic design, while highlighting gaps in understanding human-robot social dynamics. Other notable contributions include “Toward designing a robot that learns actions from parental demonstrations” (2008, 41 citations) and “Appropriate feedback in asymmetric interactions” (2010, 42 citations). Muhl’s work has shaped foundational discussions on robot learning, social presence, and the cognitive orientation of users, making her a key voice in the evolution of socially aware robotics.