Hwayeon Kong

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About

Hwayeon Kong is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction, with a focus on how robotic design influences human perception and communication. Her most-cited work, "The effect of robot's behavior vs. appearance on communication with humans" (2011, 20 citations), provides foundational insights into the interplay between a robot’s physical form and its behavioral cues—such as voice and gestures—in shaping whether it is perceived as machine-like or human-like. Through a carefully designed between-subjects experiment with four conditions, Kong demonstrated that both appearance and behavior are critical in guiding user expectations and communication dynamics. This research has significant implications for the development of socially assistive robots and human-centered AI, highlighting the need for cohesive design strategies. Kong’s work continues to influence researchers and engineers striving to create more intuitive and effective robotic systems, bridging the gap between technical functionality and human social cognition.