Melissa M. Sexton
Papers
1
Total Citations
3
H-Index
1
About
Melissa M. Sexton is a leading scholar in human-robot interaction (HRI), whose work challenges conventional assumptions about how people relate to robots in real-world settings. Rather than focusing on anthropomorphism—the tendency to see robots as human-like—Sexton advocates for a practice-based perspective that foregrounds context, work routines, and emergent relationships. Her most cited paper, “Do Robots Have to be Human-Like? A Practice-Based Perspective on Relating to Robots In-the-Wild” (2025), draws on 17 qualitative studies to reveal how human-robot relations are shaped by specific tasks, environments, and social dynamics, not by how human-like a robot appears. This work has already garnered 3 citations and is reshaping HRI research by moving beyond laboratory studies to “in-the-wild” investigations. Sexton’s contributions are vital for designing robots that integrate seamlessly into workplaces, healthcare, and everyday life. Her research bridges sociology, design, and robotics, offering a nuanced understanding of how humans and machines collaborate. For students and researchers, Sexton’s work is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of human-centered robotics.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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