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About

Yaxin Hu is a human-robot interaction researcher whose work sits at the intersection of social robotics, telepresence technology, and inclusive design. With a particular focus on how robots can meaningfully support human experiences — from creative collaboration to social connection — Hu has made notable contributions to understanding the relational and experiential dimensions of human-robot interaction. Her 2021 paper exploring social robot behaviors in creative activities (14 citations) established early insights into how robot design shapes perceptions of robotic creativity and collaboration. This work helped lay groundwork for more nuanced conversations about robots as genuine creative partners rather than mere tools. Building on this, Hu has pioneered research into conversational telepresence robots designed specifically for homebound older adults, addressing isolation and mobility limitations through thoughtfully engineered remote experiences — work that has garnered 9 citations since its 2024 publication. Her more recent investigations into place attachment and LLM-powered narrative robots like NarraGuide reflect a forward-looking agenda that leverages large language models to make remote exploration more intuitive and emotionally resonant. Across her growing body of work, Hu consistently centers underserved populations and advocates for robot design that is both technologically sophisticated and deeply human-centered.