Jessica Eichberg

Augsburg University, University of Augsburg

Papers

Total Citations

168

H-Index

About

Dr. Jessica Eichberg is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction (HRI), with a focused expertise on how social dynamics—particularly gender—shape our engagement with robotic systems. Her most influential work, the 2014 study *"Keep an Eye on the Task! How Gender Typicality of Tasks Influence Human–Robot Interactions"* (109 citations), reveals a critical insight: people perceive and interact with robots differently depending on whether the robot is assigned a gender-stereotypical task, such as cleaning versus technical repair. This research fundamentally challenges assumptions of neutrality in robot design, showing that task gendering can alter user trust, gaze patterns, and cooperation. Earlier foundational work (2012, 32 citations) on grounding with gaze and pointing gestures established her as a key voice in non-verbal communication between humans and robots. Across her career, Eichberg’s studies have accumulated over 170 citations, demonstrating lasting influence on both HRI theory and applied robotics. Her contributions are notable for bridging cognitive science and engineering, offering concrete evidence that social biases are unconsciously transferred to machines—a finding with profound implications for inclusive robot design and ethical AI development.