Erin Partridge
Papers
1
Total Citations
77
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Erin Partridge is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of gerontology, human-robot interaction, and social connectedness. Her work fundamentally reorients the conversation around assistive technologies, arguing that the true value of social robots lies not in human-to-robot bonds, but in their capacity to catalyze human-to-human engagement. In her landmark 2019 study, "Older Adults Living With Social Robots: Promoting Social Connectedness in Long-Term Communities" (77 citations), Dr. Partridge demonstrated how a social robot deployed in an assisted-living facility served as a social catalyst, sparking conversations, shared laughter, and group activities among residents. This contribution challenges prevailing technocentric narratives and positions robots as tools for emotional wellness rather than replacements for human interaction. Her research has significant implications for designing long-term care environments that combat loneliness and isolation. By centering the lived experiences of older adults, Dr. Partridge has established herself as a vital voice in ethical technology design, showing that the most profound impact of innovation is often the human connection it enables.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1