Junfeng Jiao

The University of Texas at Austin, Walker (United States)

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Junfeng Jiao is a leading researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction (HRI), autonomous systems, and urban logistics. His work fundamentally explores how people perceive and coexist with robots in public spaces, and how to optimize the deployment of robotic fleets for real-world efficiency. In a landmark 2023 study, Jiao investigated the impact of visual cues—like a leash—on public perceptions of autonomous quadruped robots during incidental encounters, revealing critical insights for designing socially acceptable robots. This work has garnered 15 citations and is foundational for understanding trust and comfort in HRI. More recently, in 2024, he developed an optimization model for integrated fleets of autonomous delivery robots and electric trucks, aiming to slash operational costs in last-mile logistics—a contribution with 5 citations that addresses pressing challenges in sustainable urban delivery. Jiao also co-organized the "Longitudinal Social Impacts of HRI over Long-Term Deployments" workshop, underscoring his commitment to understanding the lasting, real-world effects of robots in society. His research is pivotal for engineers and policymakers shaping the future of shared human-robot environments.