Duncan Smith-Freedman

Papers

Total Citations

138

H-Index

About

Duncan Smith-Freedman is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and pediatric healthcare. His work centers on the deployment of social robots in clinical settings, with a particular focus on improving the emotional and psychological well-being of hospitalized children. In his landmark 2019 study, "Social Robots for Hospitalized Children," Smith-Freedman provided the first empirical demonstration of integrating social robots into inpatient pediatric care, showing how these technologies can reduce stress and foster positive engagement among young patients. With 138 citations, this foundational paper has shaped subsequent research on child-robot interaction and informed the design of therapeutic robotics programs worldwide. Smith-Freedman’s contributions extend beyond the lab; his work has influenced hospital protocols and sparked interdisciplinary collaborations between engineers, child life specialists, and pediatricians. By rigorously evaluating both the feasibility and impact of social robots in real-world medical environments, he has opened new avenues for compassionate, technology-enhanced care. His research continues to inspire students and practitioners exploring how robotics can serve vulnerable populations.