Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

David Hakken is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-computer interaction, participatory design, and social robotics, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations and ethical technology development. His most influential work challenges the dominant technology-driven paradigm in robotics by centering human experience and community involvement in the design process. His landmark 2017 paper, "Steps Toward Participatory Design of Social Robots," has garnered over 212 citations, establishing him as a leading voice in democratizing how social robots are conceived and built. Complementing this, his 2015 study on designing socially assistive robots for independently living older adults with depression — cited nearly 100 times — demonstrates his commitment to applying these methodologies to real-world mental health challenges. Hakken's research recognizes that older adults experiencing loneliness and social isolation represent a critical yet underserved population who stand to benefit meaningfully from thoughtfully designed robotic companions. By engaging therapists and end-users alike in the design conversation, as evidenced by his work on therapeutic applications in community mental health, Hakken consistently bridges technical innovation with genuine human need, making his contributions both academically significant and profoundly practical.