Narumitsu Ikeda

The University of Tokyo, University of Electro-Communications

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Narumitsu Ikeda is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction, with a specialized focus on designing tele-presence robots for the youngest members of society. His key research areas include child-robot interaction, tele-presence robotics, and the developmental psychology of human-robot relationships. Ikeda’s most significant contribution is the creation of ChiCaRo, a tele-presence robot specifically engineered to facilitate interaction between remote users—such as grandparents—and babies or toddlers. This work addresses the growing social challenge of reduced intergenerational contact in super-aging societies. His foundational paper on ChiCaRo (2018) has garnered 32 citations, reflecting its impact on the field. Ikeda also made notable contributions to understanding the rejection of social robots by children, as explored in his paper “I’m Scared” (2016, 9 citations), which provides critical insights into the emotional barriers that can hinder child-robot interaction. Through field trials in playrooms, Ikeda has demonstrated how physical interaction—via movement and a small robotic hand—can bridge generational and geographical gaps. His work is essential reading for researchers interested in developmental robotics, assistive technology, and the ethical design of robots for vulnerable populations.