Helena Schmidt

Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Papers

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About

Helena Schmidt is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction (HRI), with a focused expertise in how robotic gaze and eye movements can enhance collaborative dynamics between humans and machines. Her work centers on the underexplored potential of robot eyes as predictive cues—a concept that draws from human social cognition to improve communication and efficiency in joint tasks. In her landmark 2023 study, "The potential of robot eyes as predictive cues in HRI—an eye-tracking study," Schmidt demonstrated that robotic gaze can intuitively direct human attention to specific targets, effectively signaling a robot’s future actions. This paper, with 12 citations, has become a foundational reference for researchers seeking to bridge the gap between human and machine nonverbal communication. Her earlier 2022 work, "Effects of predictive robot eyes on attentional processes in HRI," further solidified her contributions by exploring the cognitive mechanisms behind this interaction, earning 3 citations. Schmidt’s innovative approach not only advances theoretical understanding but also offers practical pathways for designing more intuitive and trustworthy robots in manufacturing, healthcare, and service settings. Her research is a compelling call to rethink how robots can use simple, human-like cues to become better partners.