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About

Nihan Karatas is a researcher whose work sits at the intersection of human-robot interaction (HRI), autonomous vehicles, and social robotics. Her research addresses some of the most pressing challenges in human-centered AI design — from keeping drivers attentive during autonomous vehicle operation to developing socially intelligent robotic companions that enhance safety and well-being. Karatas has made notable contributions to the design of in-car driving agents, exploring how gaze-following behaviors and multi-party conversational systems can improve human-autonomous car interaction. Her NAMIDA system, a multi-robot conversational interface for drivers, demonstrated innovative use of turn-taking to reduce cognitive overload — garnering 12 citations alongside her autonomous driving attention work. Her most-cited paper (24 citations), a collaborative study on best practices in HRI research design, has become a valuable methodological resource for the multidisciplinary HRI community. Beyond vehicles, Karatas has explored creative social robotics applications, including iBones, a tissue-distributing robot that leverages vulnerability to encourage human engagement. Her more recent work addresses elderly driver safety — a growing societal concern — through empathetic robotic interfaces. Across her portfolio, Karatas consistently bridges technical innovation with human psychological needs, making her a distinctive voice in socially aware robotics research.