Papers
19
Total Citations
697
H-Index
10
About
Jan B. F. van Erp is a pioneering researcher whose work sits at the intersection of human-computer interaction, social robotics, and embodied telepresence. Best known for his foundational contributions to understanding **social touch**, van Erp has systematically explored how physical contact shapes human communication, emotional wellbeing, and our relationships with both digital systems and robots. His 2015 paper on social touch in human-computer interaction (184 citations) established a compelling case for integrating affective touch into mediated communication, while his subsequent work on robot-initiated touch demonstrated that social robots can elicit genuine positive emotional and physiological responses in humans — even without prior bonding (121 citations). Van Erp has also made significant strides in telerobotics and embodiment, arguing that truly transparent telerobotic systems must foster a sense of ownership and presence in the operator. His involvement in the ANA Avatar XPRIZE competition underscores his commitment to real-world application of these ideas. From brain-machine interfaces for space environments to guidelines for touch-capable social agents, his research consistently bridges theory and practice. With a citation profile reflecting sustained influence across nearly two decades, van Erp stands as a leading voice in the future of human-robot and human-computer physical interaction.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Social Touch in Human–Computer Interaction184 citations · 2015
- 2
- 3
- 4Toward Enhanced Teleoperation Through Embodiment76 citations · 2020
- 5How to Touch Humans: Guidelines for Social Agents and Robots That Can Touch61 citations · 2013
- 6
- 7Analysis and Perspectives on the ANA Avatar XPRIZE Competition31 citations · 2024
- 8
- 9
- 10