Papers
419
Total Citations
24,219
H-Index
79
About
Kerstin Dautenhahn is a pioneering figure in social robotics and human-robot interaction, whose research has fundamentally shaped how we understand and design robots capable of meaningful engagement with humans. Her landmark 2003 survey of socially interactive robots — now cited over 3,100 times — established a foundational framework for the field, while her 2007 work on the dimensions of social intelligence in robots (1,152 citations) further defined the theoretical landscape. Dautenhahn has made particularly significant contributions to robot-assisted autism therapy, exploring through her Aurora project how humanoid robots might help children with autism spectrum disorder develop social interaction skills — work that has resonated widely across both robotics and therapeutic communities. Her research also tackles deeply human concerns: how people perceive robot companions in domestic settings, how personality influences comfort with robots, and how trust is affected when robots make mistakes. From spatial dynamics in human-robot encounters to the subtleties of robot appearance and consistency of behavior, Dautenhahn's body of work reflects a consistently human-centered philosophy. With multiple papers surpassing hundreds of citations, her influence across assistive technology, social robotics, and human-robot collaboration remains profound and enduring.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1A survey of socially interactive robots3,108 citations · 2003
- 2Socially intelligent robots: dimensions of human–robot interaction1,152 citations · 2007
- 3
- 4What is a robot companion - friend, assistant or butler?530 citations · 2005
- 5Would You Trust a (Faulty) Robot?472 citations · 2015
- 6Towards interactive robots in autism therapy455 citations · 2004
- 7
- 8Social Robotics345 citations · 2016
- 9How may I serve you?340 citations · 2006
- 10