Deanna Flynn

Oregon State University, Corvallis Environmental Center

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Deanna Flynn investigates the intersection of robotics, human-robot interaction, and social norms, focusing on how robots can navigate and operate in human-centered environments. Her major contributions include pioneering work on service robot algorithms, particularly for mobile robots in hospitality settings like restaurants. In her most-cited paper, "Iterative Robot Waiter Algorithm Design: Service Expectations and Social Factors" (2024, 5 citations), she evaluates how people expect robot waiters to behave during simulated cocktail events, using body-storming techniques to refine service parameters. This work highlights the critical role of social factors in robot design. Additionally, her research on multi-robot formations in "Social Triangles and Aggressive Lines: Multi-Robot Formations Impact Navigation and Approach" (2023, 1 citation) explores how spatial arrangements convey social cues, such as affiliation or functional intent, influencing human navigation and perception. Though early in her career, Flynn’s work is notable for its practical, user-centered approach, bridging engineering and social science to create intuitive, socially aware robots. Her findings offer valuable insights for designing robots that seamlessly integrate into daily life, making her a rising voice in human-robot interaction research.