Rachel Ren

Papers

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About

Dr. Rachel Ren is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction, with a specific focus on the underexplored domain of adolescent-robot relationships. Her work centers on understanding how teenagers, poised to be the first generation to coexist with social robots throughout their lives, form emotional bonds with these machines. Ren’s most influential study, “Can We Keep Him Forever? Teens’ Engagement and Desire for Emotional Connection with a Social Robot” (2019, 64 citations), reveals that teens seek deep, lasting emotional connections with robots, challenging assumptions about their engagement. Her foundational paper, “Teen-Robot Interaction” (2018, 16 citations), establishes the critical need for human-centered design tailored to this age group, filling a gap in research that has largely focused on children, adults, and seniors. By highlighting teens’ unique desires for companionship and attachment, Ren’s work has significant implications for the ethical design of social robots, ensuring they meet the emotional needs of a generation that will grow up alongside them. Her contributions are shaping the future of human-robot interaction, making her a vital voice in this emerging field.