Mikey Siegel

Papers

Total Citations

398

H-Index

About

Mikey Siegel is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction (HRI) and persuasive technology, best known for founding the field of Persuasive Robotics. His landmark 2009 paper, "Persuasive Robotics: The influence of robot gender on human behavior," has garnered nearly 400 citations, establishing a foundational framework for understanding how robots can intentionally shape human beliefs and actions. Siegel’s core contribution lies in demonstrating that robots, as social agents, can leverage principles of persuasion—traditionally studied in human contexts—to influence behavior, and that even superficial attributes like perceived gender significantly affect their persuasive power. This work opened new avenues for designing robots that can effectively encourage prosocial behaviors, from health interventions to sustainable practices. Beyond his academic impact, Siegel is a visionary technologist and educator, co-founding the Transformative Technology Lab and the Purpose Project, which apply HRI insights to human flourishing. His research continues to inspire a generation of engineers and designers to consider not just what robots can do, but how they can ethically and effectively guide us toward better choices.