Deanah Kim Zak
Papers
1
Total Citations
40
H-Index
1
About
Deanah Kim Zak is a leading researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and gerontechnology, with a core focus on designing socially assistive robots to enhance social well-being across generations. Her most cited work, "Understanding social interactions with socially assistive robotics in intergenerational family groups" (2017, 40 citations), presents a pioneering pilot study where a robot facilitated tablet-based games among six intergenerational family groups. This research demonstrated how robotic systems can bridge communication gaps between older adults and younger family members, fostering meaningful social connections. Zak’s contributions lie in empirically validating the role of robots as social catalysts rather than mere assistants, shifting the paradigm toward relationship-centered design. Her work has been instrumental in shaping how assistive technologies are deployed in home and community settings, particularly for aging populations. With growing recognition for her human-centered approach, Zak continues to influence the development of empathetic, context-aware robotic systems that prioritize emotional and social outcomes alongside functional support.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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