Jennifer M. Rheman
Papers
2
Total Citations
14
H-Index
2
About
Jennifer M. Rheman investigates the intersection of human-robot interaction and social connection, focusing on how technology can support well-being across the lifespan. Her research spans two critical populations: older adults and children. In her highly cited 2024 study (12 citations), Rheman conducted a longitudinal examination of mobile telepresence robots in older adults’ homes, demonstrating that these robots reduce loneliness by enabling more immersive social presence than traditional video or audio calls. She also identified key challenges older adults face when adopting new technologies, offering design insights for more accessible robotic systems. In earlier work (2021), Rheman explored children’s trust and social dynamics with robots, finding that children showed low trust and closeness toward robots perceived as outgroup members during an online game. This preliminary study raises important questions about how robot group membership shapes human-robot relationships. Rheman’s contributions are vital for designing socially assistive robots that foster genuine connection, trust, and comfort—whether for aging populations seeking companionship or children learning to interact with intelligent machines.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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