Tugce Akkoc

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About

Tugce Akkoc is a researcher at the intersection of human-computer interaction, assistive technology, and social robotics, with a particular focus on designing inclusive interfaces for aging populations. Her most cited work, "Embodied Conversational Interfaces for the Elderly User" (2016, 10 citations), introduces a pioneering "bi-bodied" conversational agent—a system that seamlessly integrates both a virtual character and a physical robot to create a multimodal, socially engaging interface for older adults. By employing a rigorous user-centred design approach, Akkoc demonstrates how embodied conversational agents (ECAs) can reduce loneliness, improve accessibility, and foster meaningful human-machine interaction among elderly users. This foundational contribution has informed subsequent research on socially assistive robotics and adaptive dialogue systems. Akkoc’s work is notable for bridging the gap between virtual and physical embodiment, offering a scalable framework for designing empathetic, context-aware technologies. Her research continues to shape how we think about aging, autonomy, and the role of interactive agents in promoting well-being.