Tanya Beran
Papers
20
Total Citations
760
H-Index
11
About
Tanya Beran is a pioneering researcher whose work sits at the intersection of child psychology, pediatric healthcare, and humanoid robotics. Best known for developing and testing the MEDi® robot—a humanoid device programmed with evidence-based psychological strategies such as distraction and deep breathing—Beran has fundamentally advanced how we think about managing pain and distress in pediatric clinical settings. Her research has demonstrated that robotic interaction can meaningfully reduce children's suffering during notoriously anxiety-provoking procedures, including flu vaccinations, intravenous insertions, subcutaneous port needle placements, and cancer-related interventions. Beyond clinical applications, Beran has made significant contributions to understanding the social and emotional dimensions of child–robot interaction, exploring how children perceive robots as animate beings, form friendships with them, and even consider their wellbeing—as in her thought-provoking work asking whether children would help a robot in need. Her most-cited paper on perceived animism alone has garnered 186 citations, while her vaccination and cancer care studies collectively reflect hundreds of citations across the field. Beran's body of work has shaped a growing conversation about non-pharmacological pain management and positioned humanoid robotics as a legitimate, compassionate tool in pediatric healthcare—offering students and clinicians alike a compelling model for technology-driven patient care.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 6Children’s relationships with robots: robot is child’s new friend42 citations · 2010
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- 8Would Children Help a Robot in Need?37 citations · 2010
- 9Can Children Have a Relationship with a Robot?16 citations · 2011
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