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About

Hirofumi Aoki is a researcher whose work sits at the intersection of human-robot interaction, assistive technology, and intelligent driver support systems. His most prominent contributions center on the development of driver-agent systems designed to promote safer driving behavior among elderly populations — a pressing social challenge in Japan's rapidly aging society. His foundational 2017 paper proposing an AI-based driver agent garnered 33 citations, with subsequent studies exploring agent form factors and real-world vehicle feasibility, demonstrating a sustained and methodical research program that has collectively shaped discourse around age-inclusive transportation technology. Beyond automotive safety, Aoki has made meaningful contributions to socially assistive robotics, particularly in therapeutic and developmental contexts. His 2014 pilot study investigating touch sensing and robotic feedback for children with autism opened promising avenues for technology-mediated social skill development, while his 2016 work examined how robotic movement and perceived animacy can sustain young children's visual attention — a critical design consideration for effective assistive robots. Across these domains, Aoki's research reflects a consistent humanistic motivation: designing intelligent systems that empower vulnerable populations, whether elderly drivers navigating roads independently or children developing essential social competencies. His work offers valuable insights for researchers in HRI, gerontechnology, and autism intervention.