Hitoshi Makino

National Center For Child Health and Development

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Hitoshi Makino is a pioneering researcher in the field of human-robot interaction, with a specific focus on pediatric healthcare. His work centers on the therapeutic potential of social robots, particularly Sony's "new aibo," to improve the emotional and psychological well-being of hospitalized children and their caregivers. Makino’s major contribution lies in demonstrating the feasibility of group robot interventions (GRI) in clinical pediatric settings, a domain where robot-assisted therapy has historically been underutilized. His pilot study, which has garnered 22 citations, provides foundational evidence that interactions with a dog-like social robot can reduce stress and foster positive engagement among pediatric inpatients and their families. This work is notable for its innovative approach to integrating technology into compassionate care, bridging the gap between robotics and child psychology. By exploring the therapeutic effects of GRI, Makino has opened new avenues for non-pharmacological interventions in hospitals, highlighting the potential of social robots to enhance patient experiences. His research, though early in its citation impact, represents a meaningful step toward humanizing technology in medical environments, inspiring further studies on the role of robotics in pediatric care.