Melissa Hill

Papers

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About

Melissa Hill is a leading researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction, performance studies, and social robotics. Her work explores how robots can serve as creative performers in public spaces, fundamentally reshaping our understanding of human-machine social dynamics. Hill’s most cited study, “What Do I Say? Public Interactions with a Drumming and Rapping Robot” (2025, 3 citations), provides groundbreaking insights into how diverse age groups engage with Keirzo, a drumming and rapping robot, during the Parramatta Lanes festival. By combining natural language processing with manual dialogue categorisation, she revealed nuanced patterns in public communication, demonstrating that robots can facilitate unique social exchanges across generational divides. This work has significant implications for designing robots that can operate effectively in unstructured, real-world environments. Hill’s research is notable for its innovative methodological approach, blending computational analysis with ethnographic observation, and for its contribution to the emerging field of robotic performance art. Her findings are already informing the development of more socially adept robots for entertainment, education, and public engagement, positioning her as a key voice in the future of human-robot coexistence.