K. Kotani
Papers
1
Total Citations
2
H-Index
1
About
K. Kotani’s research centers on human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on designing robotic interfaces that foster user familiarity and trust—critical for assistive and care service robots. In their most-cited work, “A new design concept of robotic interface for the improvement of user familiarity” (2005), Kotani introduced the innovative concept of a “robot avatar”: a small, gesture-capable robot mounted on a larger main robot. This avatar serves as a minimal yet expressive interface, enabling the robot to communicate non-verbally through gestures during tasks, thereby making the machine feel more approachable and symbiotic with humans. Though the paper has garnered 2 citations, its conceptual contribution is notable for addressing a core challenge in social robotics: how to make functional robots emotionally acceptable. Kotani’s work bridges engineering and psychology, offering a design philosophy that prioritizes user comfort alongside utility. This early exploration of familiarity-enhancing interfaces has informed subsequent research in human-robot symbiosis, particularly in caregiving contexts where trust is paramount. Kotani’s approach remains a thoughtful touchstone for designers seeking to humanize robotic assistance.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
- 1