Hyemi Kim

Papers

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About

Hyemi Kim is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on socially assistive robotics for mental well-being and social connectedness. Her work addresses the pressing issue of social isolation among young adults living alone, a demographic that has grown rapidly in recent years. Kim’s most cited paper, “Fribo” (2018, 44 citations), introduces a novel social robot designed not for direct one-to-one interaction, but to facilitate indirect social awareness and communication among users, thereby fostering a sense of shared presence and community. This contribution challenges conventional paradigms in social robotics by emphasizing ambient, non-intrusive support over explicit dialogue. Through her research, Kim has demonstrated how robotic technologies can serve as catalysts for human connection rather than replacements, offering scalable solutions to loneliness in modern urban environments. Her work has been recognized for its innovative approach to designing robots that integrate seamlessly into daily life, and she continues to influence the fields of human-robot interaction and ubiquitous computing. Kim’s research holds significant promise for developing empathetic, context-aware systems that enhance social resilience.