Katharina Horst

Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Katharina Horst is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction, with a specialized focus on socially assistive robotics for elderly care. Her most influential work centers on the development of therapeutic robots designed to enhance the well-being of seniors in nursing homes and care facilities. Horst’s landmark paper, "COCO" (2011), introduces a groundbreaking prototype robot that provides companionship and cognitive stimulation to elderly individuals. This work, which has garnered 5 citations, details her rigorous research process, from concept development to successful focus group testing, demonstrating the robot’s feasibility and positive impact on users. Her contributions lie in bridging robotics and geriatric care, creating empathetic machines that address loneliness and mental decline. Horst’s research has laid the foundation for future innovations in assistive technology, making her a key figure in the field. Her achievements include the successful implementation of a prototype that has been validated through real-world testing, showcasing her ability to translate theoretical ideas into practical, life-enhancing solutions.