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About

Aya Nakata is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction, specializing in the psychological and social effects of physical touch between humans and robots. Her work centers on how robotic hugs can influence prosocial behavior and self-disclosure, drawing inspiration from the human "Midas touch" effect. In her highly cited 2017 study (67 citations), she demonstrated that being hugged by a teddy-bear-like robot encourages prosocial actions, such as increased helpfulness toward others. Her 2020 paper (56 citations) further revealed that when a robot reciprocates a hug, it significantly extends interaction times and deepens self-disclosure, a finding with profound implications for therapeutic and companion robotics. Nakata’s research consistently shows that reciprocal hugging—where the robot responds to a person’s embrace—amplifies these effects, as seen in her 2017 work (41 citations) on encouraging self-disclosure. By systematically exploring the nuances of robotic touch, she has established a foundational understanding of how physical interaction with machines can foster emotional connection and social bonding. Her contributions are vital for designing robots that support mental health, elderly care, and human well-being.