Paulina Theben
Papers
1
Total Citations
23
H-Index
1
About
Paulina Theben is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction, with a primary focus on the design and social acceptance of assistive robotics. Her work critically examines how the physical appearance—or embodiment—of assistive robots influences user trust, engagement, and long-term adoption, particularly among older adults and people with disabilities. In her highly cited 2023 scoping review, *"How Should Your Assistive Robot Look Like?"* (23 citations), Theben synthesizes a decade of research to provide a comprehensive framework for designing robots that are both functional and socially acceptable. This paper has become a foundational reference for engineers and designers seeking to move beyond purely technical metrics toward user-centered design. Theben’s contributions are notable for bridging robotics engineering with social psychology, offering evidence-based guidelines that directly inform the development of companion and care robots. Her work is essential reading for students and researchers aiming to create assistive technologies that are not only capable but also welcomed into daily life.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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