Rebecca Currano
Papers
2
Total Citations
13
H-Index
2
About
Rebecca Currano is a human-robot interaction researcher whose work explores the social dynamics of robots in high-stakes, emergency contexts. Her key research areas include designing robot attention and identity for search-and-rescue operations, and understanding how human perceptions of robot autonomy shape trust and cooperation. Her most-cited papers (2013, with 7 and 6 citations respectively) present a compelling simulated earthquake study where participants taking cover interacted with a search-and-rescue robot that varied its focus—either on the person or the environment—and was perceived as either human-controlled or autonomous. Currano’s major contribution lies in demonstrating that robots elicit the strongest positive responses when they direct attention toward the human, regardless of perceived autonomy. This finding has practical implications for designing robots that can effectively comfort and coordinate with victims in disaster scenarios. Her work bridges robotics, psychology, and emergency response, offering a nuanced understanding of how robot behavior can influence human emotion and cooperation under duress. Currano’s research is foundational for anyone interested in socially aware robots that must operate in unpredictable, life-or-death environments.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2