Motoko Noma

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Motoko Noma is a pioneering researcher in the field of human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on the design and perception of android robots. Her work bridges robotics, psychology, and aesthetics to explore how lifelike appearance and motion influence human trust and communication. Her most-cited paper, "Composition and Evaluation of the Humanlike Motions of an Android" (2006, 28 citations), is a foundational study that systematically evaluates how subtle, human-like movements in androids affect observers’ sense of intelligence and comfort. This work laid early groundwork for understanding the uncanny valley and the importance of motion quality in social robotics. Noma’s contributions are especially notable for their interdisciplinary approach, combining engineering with cognitive science to define what makes a robot feel truly human in interaction. Her research continues to inform the development of more natural and socially acceptable robots for daily life, influencing both academic discourse and practical design in humanoid robotics.