Papers
6
Total Citations
55
H-Index
4
About
Rina Hayashi is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and affective computing, with a focus on how robotic design influences emotional well-being. Her work centers on the psychological effects of physical embodiment in artificial pet therapy, exploring how factors like soft tactility, size, and weight impact therapeutic outcomes. Hayashi’s most cited paper, "Is two cuter than one?" (2023, 20 citations), investigates how the number and relationship of social robots affect feelings of *kawaii*—the Japanese concept of cuteness—extending Konrad Lorenz’s classic baby schema theory to robotics. Her foundational study on "Psychological effects of physical embodiment in artificial pet therapy" (2016, 19 citations) demonstrated that physically present robots elicit stronger therapeutic benefits than virtual pets, a finding that has shaped subsequent robot-assisted therapy designs. Hayashi also developed the CHOBONYAN robot (2015), a soft-stuffed, palmtop-sized companion for elderly users, and has advanced automatic generation of dynamic arousal expressions for robot faces (2024). Her cumulative work, with over 55 citations, establishes her as a key figure in designing emotionally resonant robots that promote mental health and social connection.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 2Psychological effects of physical embodiment in artificial pet therapy19 citations · 2016
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- 6Importance of Soft Tactility on Robot-Assisted Therapy3 citations · 2018