Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Tineke Klamer is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction, with a focused expertise on the acceptance, use, and relational dynamics between elderly users and social robots in domestic healthcare settings. Her most influential work centers on the zoomorphic robot "Harvey," exploring how older adults integrate such technology into their daily lives. Klamer’s landmark 2014 paper, "Sharing a life with Harvey," which has garnered 294 citations, provides deep insights into the long-term relationship-building process between humans and social robots. Her foundational 2010 study, cited 97 times, further clarifies the factors influencing the acceptance and sustained use of these robots in home environments. Through a series of related papers, Klamer has systematically demonstrated that elderly users can form meaningful, affectionate bonds with zoomorphic robots, challenging assumptions about technology adoption in aging populations. Her work is notable for its qualitative depth and practical implications for designing companion robots that enhance well-being. Klamer’s research remains a cornerstone for scholars and designers aiming to create socially assistive technologies that are not only used but truly accepted and loved by their users.