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About

Akihiro Kashihara is a leading researcher at the intersection of educational technology and human-robot interaction, specializing in how robotic agents can enhance learning and presentation skills. His work focuses on reconstructing and improving non-verbal communication—such as gaze, gesture, and paralanguage—in academic lectures and presentations. Kashihara’s most impactful contribution is the development of a robot that replicates lecturer behavior, demonstrating that robotic avatars can effectively model and teach nuanced non-verbal cues to improve audience understanding. His 2018 paper on this topic has garnered 17 citations, reflecting its foundational role in the field. He has also explored partner robots to reduce anxiety in collaborative reading and authoring tools that help presenters reflect on their presentation scenarios. Notably, his 2022 work on robot lectures for enhancing non-verbal behavior (12 citations) extends these ideas to e-learning environments. Kashihara’s innovative approach addresses the discomfort learners often feel when self-reviewing presentations, proposing robotic surrogates as a less intimidating alternative. His research offers practical solutions for educators and students seeking to master the art of engaging, effective communication.