Sun–Hwa Kim
Papers
1
Total Citations
15
H-Index
1
About
Sun–Hwa Kim is a leading researcher in geriatric mental health and human–robot interaction, with a focus on socially assistive robotics for older adults. Her most cited work, a 2020 study on the effects of the Korean social robot Hyodol, demonstrates her core contribution: rigorously evaluating how companion robots can alleviate depression and improve quality of life among community-dwelling seniors. In a controlled trial with 169 older adults living alone in Seoul, Kim showed that Hyodol—which provides daily activity management, emotional support, and cognitive stimulation—significantly reduced depressive symptoms (measured by the SGDS-K, from 6.28 to 3.40) and modestly enhanced quality of life (EQ-5D from 0.75 to 0.78). This work, with 15 citations, has established Kim as a key figure in evidence-based robotic interventions for aging populations. Her research bridges nursing science, human–computer interaction, and public health, offering scalable solutions to combat loneliness and mental health decline in older adults. Kim’s achievements highlight the potential of culturally tailored social robots to transform geriatric care, making her a notable voice in the growing field of socially assistive robotics.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1