Mai Otsuki

National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba

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About

Mai Otsuki investigates the intersection of human-robot interaction and social telepresence, with a focus on how embodiment and behavioral cues shape user trust and engagement. Her work demonstrates that even minimal social signals—such as the responsive eye prototype in her DroEye system (2020, 11 citations)—can significantly enhance comfort and perceived trustworthiness when mounted on a drone agent. This research opens new possibilities for designing socially aware aerial robots that feel less intrusive and more collaborative. In her earlier influential study on embodiment (2016, 11 citations), Otsuki showed that using a humanoid robot as a telepresence platform, rather than a simple rotating display, substantially improves the sense of social presence. She further explored how varying the robot’s body size affects this experience, revealing that physical form factors play a critical role in remote communication. Though her citation counts are still growing, Otsuki’s work is foundational for the emerging field of socially embodied telepresence, offering practical insights for designers of drones and service robots. Her research is especially relevant for students interested in building robots that people can trust and enjoy interacting with.