Rianne Kaptein

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Rianne Kaptein’s research lies at the intersection of human-robot interaction, health technology, and cultural psychology, with a focus on how social robots can support children with chronic conditions. Her most cited work, “Child’s culture-related experiences with a social robot at diabetes camps” (2016, 17 citations), investigates how Italian and Dutch children interact with a robot designed to aid diabetes self-management. Through observations and questionnaires at diabetes camps, Kaptein reveals that while children generally have positive experiences, their engagement varies significantly based on cultural background—a finding that underscores the importance of culturally sensitive design in healthcare robotics. This work, together with a closely related study (12 citations), has been instrumental in demonstrating that social robots can be effective tools for pediatric health education and emotional support, but only when tailored to users’ cultural contexts. Kaptein’s contributions have shaped how researchers and designers approach robot-assisted interventions for young patients, highlighting the need to move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions. Her research continues to inform the development of more inclusive, adaptive technologies for child health and well-being.