Kathryn Jones

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About

Dr. Kathryn Jones is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction, specializing in the design and social integration of socially assistive robots (SAR) for elderly and assisted living populations. Her work uniquely focuses on the concept of “needy” robots—systems designed to express vulnerability or dependence to foster emotional bonds and improve user acceptance. In her highly cited 2019 paper, “MyCompanion: A Digital Social Companion for Assisted Living” (8 citations), Jones introduced a practical digital companion that supports daily living through empathetic interaction. She later formalized this approach in “A Theoretical Framework for the Development of ‘Needy’ Socially Assistive Robots” (2023, 3 citations), laying foundational theory for designing robots that elicit caregiving responses from users. Her most recent work, “Acceptance of Needy Socially Assistive Robots: A Systematic Review” (2025, 2 citations), synthesizes current evidence on adoption barriers, highlighting how emotional reciprocity can overcome user resistance. Though early in her career, Jones’s contributions are shaping a new paradigm in SAR design—moving beyond purely functional assistance toward emotionally intelligent companionship. Her research holds significant promise for addressing the growing global demand for elder care through more human-centered robotic solutions.