Maho Shigematsu
Papers
1
Total Citations
2
H-Index
1
About
Maho Shigematsu is a researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and gerontechnology, with a focus on improving road safety for elderly drivers in Japan. Her most-cited work, "The Effect of Adding Japanese Honorifics When Naming a Driving-Review Robot" (2024, 2 citations), explores how culturally nuanced communication—specifically the use of Japanese honorifics when naming a robot—can enhance elderly drivers' receptiveness to automated driving feedback. This research addresses a critical societal challenge: Japan's disproportionately high traffic fatality rate among individuals aged 65 and older. Rather than relying solely on repetitive training sessions, Shigematsu’s work pioneers the use of socially assistive robots that deliver personalized, respectful feedback to encourage self-reflection on driving habits. By integrating linguistic politeness into robot design, she demonstrates how subtle cultural cues can foster trust and engagement in vulnerable populations. Her contributions bridge robotics, linguistics, and public health, offering a scalable, low-cost intervention to promote safer roads. Though early in her career, Shigematsu’s innovative approach highlights the potential of culturally adaptive technology to address aging societies’ pressing mobility challenges.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1