Gabriela Marcu

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Gabriela Marcu is a leading researcher in human-computer interaction (HCI), with a focus on designing and evaluating technologies for safety, security, and well-being in public and clinical settings. Her work critically examines how people perceive and interact with emerging technologies, particularly in high-stakes environments. A standout contribution is her widely discussed 2023 study, "Would I Feel More Secure With a Robot?": Understanding Perceptions of Security Robots in Public Spaces, which has already garnered 17 citations. This paper reveals the complex, often ambivalent, public attitudes toward autonomous security agents—highlighting concerns about trust, privacy, and control that challenge the uncritical deployment of such robots by law enforcement. Marcu’s research is notable for its human-centered approach, blending ethnographic methods with participatory design to ensure that technology serves people’s real needs. Her work has influenced both academic discourse and practical guidelines for deploying robots in public spaces, making her a key voice in responsible innovation. With a growing citation record and a reputation for tackling timely, societally relevant problems, Marcu continues to shape how we think about safety, autonomy, and trust in an increasingly automated world.