Emma Hagens
Papers
1
Total Citations
7
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Emma Hagens is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and social robotics, with a primary focus on understanding how people perceive and trust legged robotic systems. Her most influential work, the 2024 paper "Safe Spot: Exploring perceived safety of dominant vs submissive quadruped robots," has already garnered 7 citations—a remarkable achievement for a recently published study. In this groundbreaking research, Hagens addresses a critical gap in quadruped robotics: while technical capabilities have advanced rapidly, the social perception of these machines remains poorly understood. By systematically investigating how behavioral design—specifically dominant versus submissive postures and movements—affects human perceptions of safety and trust, she provides foundational insights for creating more acceptable and comfortable human-robot interactions. Her work has immediate implications for deploying quadruped robots in public spaces, from search-and-rescue operations to domestic assistance. Hagens’ research is notable for bridging engineering and social science, offering empirically grounded design guidelines that could shape the next generation of socially intelligent robots. As one of the first to rigorously explore the social dynamics of legged robots, she is establishing herself as a leading voice in making advanced robotics not just capable, but genuinely approachable.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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