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About

Ruhan Wang is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction, persuasive technology, and conflict mediation. Her work focuses on designing socially intelligent robots that enhance everyday human experiences—from mitigating smartphone distractions to mediating remote interpersonal conflicts. Wang’s most notable contribution is **SparkyBot**, an embodied AI agent-powered robot that allows children to customize interaction characters and behaviors, creating personalized, engaging play experiences (5 citations). She also developed a persuasive desk-lamp robot that uses posture and light to reduce endogenous smartphone interruptions during work, demonstrating how subtle robotic cues can influence behavior intrinsically (4 citations). In her **ROMEO** project, Wang explores how robotic haptic stimuli can metaphorically mediate remote conflicts, offering a novel approach to diffusing tension through physical interaction (4 citations). Her research consistently emphasizes affordability and accessibility, as seen in her "Labo is Watching You" system, which uses gaze and posture changes to persuade users without high costs. With a growing portfolio of award-nominated papers and a clear focus on ethical, child-friendly, and emotionally intelligent robotics, Wang is shaping the future of robots as empathetic, persuasive companions in daily life.