Jacqueline Borgstedt

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Jacqueline Borgstedt is a pioneering researcher in the emerging field of thermal and vibrotactile human-robot interaction (HRI), with a specific focus on socially assistive robotics (SAR). Her work redefines how humans connect with robots by moving beyond traditional movement-based haptics to explore richer, more emotionally resonant sensory experiences. In her highly cited 2022 study, "Hot or not? Exploring User Perceptions of thermal Human-Robot Interaction," Borgstedt demonstrated that temperature is a critical, yet overlooked, dimension of touch in HRI, opening new avenues for creating more intuitive and comforting robotic companions. Building on this foundation, her 2024 paper, "Soothing Sensations: Enhancing Interactions with a Socially Assistive Robot through Vibrotactile Heartbeats," investigates how simulating a heartbeat through vibration can significantly improve user wellbeing and emotional bonding with a robot. With over 17 citations across her key works, Borgstedt’s contributions are shaping the future of assistive technology, particularly for applications in healthcare and therapy. Her innovative, mixed-methods approach—combining user studies with design—positions her as a leading voice in making robots not just functional, but genuinely soothing and perceptually engaging partners.