Hyunju Shim

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About

Hyunju Shim is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on socially assistive robotics for aging populations and intergenerational dynamics. Her work explores how robots can serve as catalysts for meaningful social engagement, especially among older adults and their families. In her highly cited 2017 pilot study, "Understanding social interactions with socially assistive robotics in intergenerational family groups," Shim demonstrated how a socially assistive robot, combined with tablet-based games, could facilitate positive interactions across generations. This foundational work, garnering 40 citations, revealed that robots can act not merely as tools but as social mediators, improving the well-being of older adults by strengthening family bonds. Shim’s research is notable for its human-centered design, emphasizing real-world application and emotional impact over purely technical metrics. Her contributions are shaping the future of assistive technology, offering a compassionate vision of robotics that enhances, rather than replaces, human connection. For students and researchers, Shim’s work exemplifies how interdisciplinary approaches—blending robotics, psychology, and social science—can address pressing societal challenges like isolation and aging.