Wendy Xu

University of Washington, Oregon State University

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Wendy Xu is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction (HRI), with a focus on how people—especially teenagers—perceive, engage with, and help shape social robots. Her work bridges robotics, design, and psychology to make robots more approachable and effective in real-world settings. In her highly cited 2019 study (21 citations), Xu demonstrated that direct interaction and participatory design significantly improve teenagers’ attitudes toward social robots, offering critical insights for developing robots that resonate with younger users. She also pioneered the design of SCIPRR, a user-centered, 3D-printed humanoid robot head (2018, 15 citations), which integrates internal scaffolding for sensors and computing—showcasing how additive manufacturing can create more adaptable, human-friendly robotic platforms. Xu’s research has been instrumental in shifting HRI from purely technical development toward inclusive, user-driven design. Her work not only advances the field’s understanding of human-robot trust and acceptance but also provides practical frameworks for building robots that people genuinely want to interact with. For students and researchers, Xu’s contributions highlight the power of putting users at the center of robotic innovation.