Derek Xie

Papers

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About

Derek Xie is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction, neurodiversity, and assistive technology. His work focuses on understanding how neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals engage with social robots, particularly robotic dogs, and how these interactions can be harnessed for therapeutic and everyday support. In his 2024 study, “Emotion-Behavior Interplay in Human Animal-Robot Interaction (HARI),” Xie examined emotional and behavioral responses during human-robot dog interactions, revealing key differences between neurodivergent and neurotypical participants and laying groundwork for tailored robotic interventions. His follow-up paper, “Co-designing Robot Dogs with and for Neurodivergent Individuals: Opportunities and Challenges,” explores real-world use cases and participatory design methods, highlighting both the promise and practical hurdles of integrating social robots into daily life for autistic individuals. Though early in his career, Xie’s work has already garnered attention for its inclusive, user-centered approach, bridging gaps in assistive robotics and neurodiversity research. His contributions are shaping a future where robots are not just tools, but empathetic companions designed with and for diverse communities.