Melanie Dudek

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Melanie Dudek is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction, with a focused expertise on the psychological and social factors influencing technology adoption among older adults. Her work critically examines how elders’ self-perceptions and societal stereotypes shape their acceptance of companion robots. In her highly cited 2020 paper, “'THIS ISN’T ME!': The Role of Age-Related Self- and User Images for Robot Acceptance by Elders,” Dudek demonstrates that discrepancies between an elder’s self-image and their perception of a typical robot user can create resistance, even when the technology is designed to assist. This foundational study, with 24 citations, has been pivotal in shifting the design paradigm from purely functional robotics to user-centered approaches that respect individual identity. Dudek’s contributions are essential for engineers and gerontologists alike, offering a nuanced framework for developing assistive robots that align with users’ self-concepts rather than challenging them. Her research continues to inform inclusive design practices, ensuring that emerging technologies enhance autonomy without undermining personal dignity.