Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Yuki Kinoshita’s research lies at the intersection of human-robot interaction and assistive technology, with a focus on how robots can communicate naturally in group settings and support aging populations. Her most cited work, “Transgazer” (2017, 5 citations), addresses a critical gap in one-to-many communication: the challenge of enabling robots to direct and avert gaze appropriately when interacting with multiple people. By tackling the difficulty of detecting recipient positions and timing gaze shifts, Kinoshita’s contribution provides foundational insights for making robot social behavior more intuitive and effective in real-world scenarios. Additionally, her 2016 study on communication robots for seniors with slight physical and cognitive disabilities (4 citations) explores the unmet needs of healthy elderly individuals experiencing gradual decline. Using the System Usability Scale, she evaluated robot impressions and necessity, offering practical guidelines for designing supportive technologies that enhance quality of life without overburdening users. Though her citation counts are modest, Kinoshita’s work is notable for its early and targeted exploration of nuanced interaction challenges—such as multi-person gaze dynamics and subtle disability support—that are increasingly relevant as robots enter homes and public spaces. Her research bridges technical development with user-centered design, making her a thoughtful contributor to socially aware robotics.