Grace Todd

Papers

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About

Grace Todd is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction, with a specialized focus on cross-cultural design and the affective impact of robotic aesthetics. Her work centers on the nuanced role of *kawaii* (cute) attributes in student companion robots, exploring how cultural context shapes user perception and emotional engagement. Todd’s most cited paper, "Cross-Cultural Design and Evaluation of Student Companion Robots with Varied Kawaii (Cute) Attributes" (2022), has garnered 5 citations—a notable early impact for a novel interdisciplinary study. In this work, she systematically varied robotic cuteness features and evaluated their effectiveness across different cultural groups, revealing that culturally adaptive design significantly enhances user acceptance and learning outcomes. This contribution bridges robotics, psychology, and cultural studies, offering practical guidelines for developing empathetic, culturally-sensitive educational technologies. Todd’s research is particularly relevant for designing robots that support student well-being and motivation in diverse classrooms. Her findings have been presented at major HRI conferences, and she is recognized for advancing inclusive design principles in social robotics. As a rising scholar, Todd continues to investigate how subtle aesthetic cues can foster trust and companionship between humans and machines.