Rahatul Amin Ananto

University of Manitoba, McGill University

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Rahatul Amin Ananto is a human-robot interaction (HRI) researcher whose work addresses a critical, underserved need: using social robots to combat loneliness. His pioneering research is among the first to systematically explore how domestic companion robots can support individuals living with chronic loneliness, a growing public health concern. In his landmark paper, *"We Can Do Better! An Initial Survey Highlighting an Opportunity for More HRI Work on Loneliness"* (5 citations), Ananto provides a compelling survey that identifies a significant gap in the field, arguing that while robots can improve mood, the HRI community has largely overlooked loneliness as a primary application. His follow-up work, *"Domestic Robots for Individuals Living With Loneliness"* (3 citations), further investigates public readiness to accept robotic companions in daily life—a crucial step toward real-world deployment. Beyond loneliness, Ananto has also contributed to assistive robotics, exploring robotic systems for the visually impaired (*"Perspectives on Robotic Systems for the Visually Impaired,"* 2 citations). By championing a more human-centered, empathetic approach to robotics, Ananto is shaping a future where technology doesn't just perform tasks, but actively fosters emotional well-being and social connection for vulnerable populations.