Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Dr. Man-yi Wai is a leading researcher at the intersection of gerontology, human-robot interaction, and workforce sustainability in long-term care. Her work primarily investigates how technology—particularly social robots—can mitigate the psychosocial challenges faced by both older adults and the care workers who support them. In her landmark study, "Effects of a Humanoid Companion Robot on Dementia Symptoms and Caregiver Distress for Residents in Long-Term Care" (68 citations), Dr. Wai demonstrated that companion robots can significantly reduce dementia-related behavioral symptoms and alleviate caregiver distress, offering a scalable intervention for understaffed facilities. She further explores the human dimension of care technology in her work on burnout among residential care workers, revealing that technology acceptance can moderate the relationship between job strain and turnover intention. By bridging clinical outcomes with workforce psychology, Dr. Wai’s research provides actionable insights for designing humane, tech-integrated care environments. Her contributions are especially vital as aging populations strain global care systems, positioning her as a key voice in the ethical and effective deployment of assistive technologies.