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About

Gijs Huisman is a researcher at the intersection of human-computer interaction, social robotics, and affective computing. His work explores how technology can replicate and enhance fundamental human experiences, particularly those involving touch, social bonding, and shared activities. Huisman’s most influential contribution is his pioneering research on **artificial commensal companions**—social robots designed to eat with people. His papers on this topic (with 22 and 9 citations) investigate how robotic eating partners can mitigate the negative effects of eating alone, influencing food choice, enjoyment, and overall well-being. He has also made significant strides in **affective touch**, studying how mediated stroking via tactile sculptures and robotics can foster interpersonal connection, even across social distance. His highly cited work on observing touch from video (28 citations) examines how social cues shape our perception of pleasantness. Additionally, Huisman’s exploration of **resonance as a design strategy** (25 citations) offers a novel framework for creating more intuitive and engaging AI and social robots. Through this blend of conceptual depth and experimental rigor, Huisman is shaping how we design technology that feels less like a tool and more like a companion.