Sarah A. Ashley

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About

Sarah A. Ashley is a rising researcher in human-robot interaction, whose work challenges conventional assumptions about how people perceive and engage with robots. Her key research areas center on the psychological and social dimensions of robotics, particularly how humans attribute mental states—such as intention, emotion, and consciousness—to artificial agents. Ashley’s major contribution lies in demonstrating that socialness, rather than mere human-likeness, is the more powerful driver of mind attribution. In her most-cited paper (2024, 11 citations), she replicated and expanded prior studies by having participants interact with a human, a humanoid robot, a mechanoid robot, and a computer. Her findings reveal that robots perceived as socially responsive—regardless of their physical appearance—are more likely to be granted mental capacities, reshaping design priorities for socially assistive robotics. An earlier version of this work (2023, 2 citations) laid the groundwork for this paradigm shift. Ashley’s research has immediate implications for creating more effective, empathetic robotic companions in healthcare, education, and service settings. Her work is essential reading for students and researchers interested in the psychology of technology and the future of human-machine relationships.