Erin Roark Murphy
Papers
1
Total Citations
60
H-Index
1
About
Erin Roark Murphy is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of social robotics, gerontology, and the arts, whose work explores how technology can enhance psychological well-being in later life. Her most cited study, "Shall I compare thee…to a robot?" (2019, 60 citations), broke new ground by integrating participatory arts—specifically theatre—with social robotics to improve the emotional and mental health of older adults. This exploratory pilot demonstrated that creative, human-robot interactions can foster meaningful engagement, challenging conventional approaches that treat robots merely as assistants or companions. Murphy’s contributions lie in reimagining social robots as co-creators in artistic expression, offering a novel pathway to combat loneliness and cognitive decline in aging populations. Her work has been recognized for its interdisciplinary innovation, bridging robotics, psychology, and the humanities. By showing that a robot can be a partner in a Shakespearean sonnet, Murphy has opened up a vibrant new field of research that prioritizes dignity, creativity, and joy in later life. Her findings continue to inspire gerontologists, roboticists, and artists alike.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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