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About

Hiroko Chiba is a researcher specializing in cross-cultural design, human-robot interaction, and the application of Japanese aesthetic principles — particularly the concept of *kawaii* (cuteness) — in technology and robotics. Her work sits at a compelling intersection of cultural studies, design methodology, and educational collaboration, exploring how culturally specific aesthetics like kawaii translate across international contexts. Chiba's most significant contributions center on the cross-cultural design and evaluation of robots incorporating kawaii attributes, with her 2020 case study on kawaii robot design earning 14 citations and her 2021 cross-cultural evaluation work garnering 12. A recurring theme in her research is international student collaboration, particularly between Japanese and American universities, which she has continued to foster even through the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic by transitioning projects to remote and virtual formats. Her work on affective evaluation using biological signals demonstrates a rigorous, empirical approach to measuring cultural and emotional responses to robot design. Earlier work from 2016 highlights her long-standing interest in introducing Japanese cultural and manufacturing philosophies, such as *monozukuri*, to Western audiences. With a growing body of citations, Chiba's research offers valuable insights for designers, roboticists, and educators navigating the increasingly global landscape of human-centered technology.