Deirdre Tobin
Papers
1
Total Citations
2
H-Index
1
About
Deirdre Tobin is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction and autonomous public transport, with a focus on the social dynamics of shared, driverless vehicles. Her work explores how robots can serve as hosts or mediators in intimate transit settings, addressing critical safety and comfort concerns when passengers are left unsupervised. In her highly cited 2025 field trial, Tobin demonstrated that a robotic host can effectively manage passenger interactions and alleviate anxiety in autonomous buses—a foundational contribution to the design of socially intelligent transport systems. Her research bridges robotics, human factors, and public policy, offering practical solutions for the future of mobility. With growing recognition in the field, Tobin’s work is shaping how we think about trust, authority, and companionship in automated public spaces. Her insights are essential for engineers and policymakers aiming to make autonomous transit both safe and socially acceptable.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Robots as Hosts in Autonomous Buses: A Field Trial2 citations · 2025