Peiyao Cheng

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About

Peiyao Cheng is a rising scholar in human-robot interaction, with a focused research interest in the emotional intelligence of social robots. Her work critically examines how users perceive and expect empathy from robotic systems, a frontier that bridges artificial intelligence, psychology, and design. In her most-cited study, "Adopting a Robot with Empathy? User Perceptions and Expectations of Emotional Intelligence in Social Robots," Cheng explores the potential for robots to detect human emotions—such as frustration—through tone of voice and respond with supportive or motivational language. Using the Wukong robot integrated with the Hume.AI platform, this pioneering research demonstrates how emotional responsiveness can foster trust and deepen human-robot bonds. Though early in her career, Cheng’s work has already garnered attention for its timely relevance as social robots enter everyday life. Her contributions are shaping how we design machines that not only perform tasks but also connect with us on an emotional level, laying the groundwork for more intuitive, compassionate technology.