Michele Murakami
University of California San Diego, UC San Diego Health System
Papers
2
Total Citations
30
H-Index
2
About
Michele Murakami is a leading researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction (HRI), healthcare robotics, and inclusive design. Her work focuses on two critical frontiers: designing resilient robotic systems for high-stress clinical environments and developing accessible programming tools that empower cognitively diverse populations to participate in robotics research. In her landmark 2022 paper, *"Hospitals of the Future,"* Murakami proposed interactive robotic frameworks to mitigate overcrowding, noise, and understaffing in Emergency Departments—directly addressing how built environments and robotic agents can improve patient outcomes and healthcare worker well-being. This work has garnered 26 citations and is shaping the next generation of safety-critical hospital automation. More recently, her 2025 paper, *"PODER,"* introduced a novel robot programming framework specifically designed for people with mild cognitive impairment (PwMCI) and early-stage dementia. With 4 citations already, this pioneering tool breaks down barriers to participatory HRI research, enabling users traditionally excluded from robot design to co-create and program their own assistive technologies. Murakami’s contributions are notable for their dual commitment to technical innovation and social equity, making her a rising voice in accessible, human-centered robotics.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2