Lena Rettinger
Papers
1
Total Citations
16
H-Index
1
About
Lena Rettinger’s research lies at the intersection of human-robot interaction, gerontechnology, and socially assistive robotics, with a focus on enhancing care for aging populations. Her landmark study, “Observing the Interaction between a Socially-Assistive Robot and Residents in a Nursing Home” (2023, 16 citations), provides foundational insights into how robots can meaningfully engage elderly individuals in long-term care settings. By analyzing real-world, non-scripted interactions, Rettinger demonstrated that socially assistive robots can reduce loneliness and stimulate social behavior among residents, while also identifying critical design considerations for acceptance and usability. Her work addresses the pressing challenge of rising formal care demands due to demographic shifts, offering evidence that robots can complement—not replace—human caregivers. Rettinger’s contributions are particularly notable for their emphasis on observational methodology, capturing authentic user responses rather than lab-based simulations. This approach has shaped subsequent studies on robot deployment in care facilities. As care systems worldwide grapple with workforce shortages, Rettinger’s research provides a practical, human-centered roadmap for integrating assistive technologies into everyday care, making her a key voice in the future of elder care innovation.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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