Yun‐Chen Tu

Papers

Total Citations

122

H-Index

About

Yun‐Chen Tu is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction, with a focus on aging populations and technology acceptance. Her work bridges gerontology and robotics, exploring how older adults perceive and engage with robotic systems. In her highly cited 2019 mixed-methods study (87 citations), Tu identified key features that enhance older adults’ acceptance of robots, drawing on socioemotional selectivity theory to reveal that emotional connection and ease of use are more critical than advanced functionality. This work has shaped design guidelines for assistive robots in aged care. Her 2020 study on age-related differences in the uncanny valley effect (35 citations) further demonstrated that older adults respond differently to humanlike robots than younger users, challenging one-size-fits-all design assumptions. By highlighting how aging influences perceptions of robot appearance and interaction, Tu has provided foundational insights for creating more inclusive robotic technologies. Her research directly addresses the global caregiving labor shortage, offering evidence-based strategies to integrate robots into daily life for older adults. With a growing citation impact, Tu’s work is essential reading for students and researchers in human-robot interaction, gerontechnology, and inclusive design.