Jirina Kotrbova

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About

Jirina Kotrbova is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on the social and operational integration of robots in real-world healthcare settings. Her most influential work, "Hospital robot at work" (2012, 78 citations), provides a landmark case study of a transport robot deployed in a semi-public hospital environment. Over 13 days, the robot moved between departments, transporting goods and samples for an orthopedic ward, and was actively used by staff for five days. This study is notable for capturing the initial, often complex, reactions of hospital personnel and patients to a mobile robot operating in their midst—offering early, invaluable insights into the challenges of trust, workflow disruption, and acceptance that remain central to healthcare robotics today. Kotrbova’s contribution lies in documenting these real-world dynamics, bridging the gap between technical development and human factors. Her work has become a foundational reference for researchers designing robots for sensitive, dynamic environments, demonstrating that successful deployment depends as much on social adaptation as on engineering.