Kuen Cherng Tan

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About

Kuen Cherng Tan is a robotics researcher whose work bridges human-robot interaction and socially impactful applications. His most notable contribution is the design and field deployment of iCharibot, a fundraising robot that demonstrated how autonomous systems can engage with the public in real-world charitable contexts. Through rigorous field trials, Tan explored the dynamics of human-robot trust, persuasion, and social presence, showing that robots could effectively solicit donations when designed with appropriate interactive cues. This work, published in 2013 and cited 11 times, laid foundational insights into the practical challenges of deploying robots in unstructured social environments. Tan’s research underscores the potential for robotics to serve prosocial goals, moving beyond laboratory settings to tackle real societal needs. His approach combines technical design with empirical evaluation, offering a model for creating robots that are not only functional but also trusted and accepted by human communities. For students and researchers, Tan’s work serves as a compelling example of how robotics can be harnessed for social good, highlighting the importance of user-centered design and field validation in advancing the field.