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About

Soyon Kim is a leading researcher at the intersection of healthcare robotics, human-robot interaction (HRI), and the design of resilient clinical environments. Her work focuses on translating human-delivered, clinic-based interventions into robot-assisted, home-based care—particularly for adults with cognitive and rehabilitative needs. Kim’s most cited paper, “Hospitals of the Future” (2022, 26 citations), critically examines how interactive robotic systems can be designed to support overworked emergency department staff and improve patient outcomes in chaotic, under-resourced settings. She also introduced the “Get SMART” framework (2023), which provides novel guidance for collaborative goal setting between robots and users in long-term health interventions. A hallmark of Kim’s approach is translational science: she develops design patterns that bridge clinical protocols and robotic capabilities, ensuring that assistive robots are not merely technological novelties but effective, longitudinal partners in care. Her work has been recognized for its careful, human-centered methodology—exemplified in her 2026 paper “Designing Care-fully,” which addresses the systemic challenges of acute cancer care. With growing citation impact and a clear commitment to resilient, equitable healthcare, Soyon Kim is shaping how robots can meaningfully support both patients and clinicians in high-stakes environments.