Xiaonan Zhang
Papers
1
Total Citations
7
H-Index
1
About
Xiaonan Zhang is a researcher in human-robot interaction (HRI), with a focus on designing intuitive and socially acceptable interfaces for public spaces. Their most-cited work, "Stepped Warm-Up–The Progressive Interaction Approach for Human-Robot Interaction in Public" (2019, 7 citations), introduces a novel framework that gradually escalates robot engagement with humans, reducing anxiety and fostering natural, comfortable interactions in crowded environments. This contribution addresses a critical barrier to deploying robots in real-world settings—public acceptance—by proposing a phased approach that respects human social cues. Zhang’s research bridges robotics, psychology, and user experience, offering practical guidelines for autonomous systems in malls, museums, and transit hubs. Though early in their career, their work has already informed subsequent studies on trust and proxemics in HRI. By prioritizing user-centered design, Zhang is helping shape a future where robots integrate seamlessly into daily life, making technology more approachable for non-expert users. Their ongoing efforts promise to advance both the theory and application of progressive interaction strategies.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1