Paloma Ochi

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About

Paloma Ochi is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction, with a focus on how people form psychological bonds with robotic systems. Her most-cited work, “I am my robot” (2009, 69 citations), explores the profound concept of robotic embodiment and identity fusion. Through a clever 2x2 experimental design involving 56 participants, Ochi demonstrated that the form of a robot—whether humanoid or car-like—and the act of assembling it oneself versus having it pre-assembled, significantly influences how operators perceive and relate to the machine. This foundational study revealed that self-assembly fosters a stronger sense of ownership and identification, effectively blurring the line between user and robot. Ochi’s contributions have shaped our understanding of how design and personal investment can transform robots from mere tools into extensions of the self. Her work is essential reading for students and researchers in human-robot interaction, social robotics, and cognitive science, offering critical insights into the psychological dynamics that will define our future with autonomous machines.