David Tien

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About

David Tien is a researcher specializing in the ethics and design of care robotics, with a particular focus on how autonomous systems can be developed responsibly to support aging populations. His work sits at the intersection of information systems, robot ethics, and value-sensitive design, addressing one of the most pressing challenges in modern healthcare: how to ethically integrate robotic technology into elderly care. Tien's most influential contribution, "A New Design Approach and Framework for Elderly Care Robots" (2018, 12 citations), established a foundational ethical framework for designing care robots, synthesizing perspectives from robot ethicists and human-centered design. His follow-up work, "Care Robot Transparency Isn't Enough for Trust" (2018, 10 citations), challenged prevailing assumptions in the field by demonstrating that transparency alone cannot build meaningful human-robot trust — a nuanced finding with significant implications for both designers and policymakers. More recently, his 2025 paper on value-sensitive design for LGBT+ older adults reflects an evolution in his thinking toward inclusivity and social equity in robotic care solutions. With a growing body of cited work, Tien is an emerging voice in ensuring that care robots serve diverse populations ethically, equitably, and effectively.