Zachary McKendrick
Papers
3
Total Citations
11
H-Index
2
About
Zachary McKendrick is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction, emotional computing, and virtual reality haptics. His work fundamentally reimagines how machines can understand and respond to human emotional needs, with a particular focus on social robots and personal drones. In his most-cited paper (2025, 6 citations), McKendrick proposes that robots can enhance their social capabilities by implementing emotion regulation mechanisms—specifically Affective Empathy, Cognitive Empathy, and Positive Emotion modeling—to provide genuine emotional support to users. This contribution challenges traditional views of robots as purely functional tools, positioning them instead as empathetic companions. McKendrick also explores the aesthetics of robot collectives through performing arts techniques (4 citations), and has developed "PantographHaptics," a novel method for delivering large-surface passive haptic feedback in virtual reality using pantograph mechanisms (1 citation). This technique addresses critical limitations in VR interaction by offering portable, energy-efficient wall haptics without the bulk of wearable robotic arms. Though early in his career, McKendrick’s interdisciplinary approach—bridging psychology, robotics, and VR—marks him as a rising voice in creating emotionally intelligent, physically responsive machines.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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