Dafna Burema
Papers
1
Total Citations
34
H-Index
1
About
Dafna Burema is a critical voice in human–robot interaction (HRI), specializing in the ethical and social dimensions of technology design for aging populations. Her most-cited work, “A critical analysis of the representations of older adults in the field of human–robot interaction” (2021, 34 citations), challenges the field to confront its own biases. Burema argues that technology development is a socially constructed process, and that HRI often reinforces reductive, ageist stereotypes of older adults as frail, lonely, or technologically inept. By exposing these problematic representations, she calls for more nuanced, inclusive approaches to designing robots for older users. Her research sits at the intersection of critical gerontology, science and technology studies (STS), and ethics, pushing the HRI community to move beyond purely technical metrics and consider the broader social implications of their work. Burema’s contribution is significant not only for its incisive critique but also for its practical implications: it urges designers and researchers to co-create technologies that respect the diversity, agency, and lived experiences of older adults. Her work is essential reading for anyone interested in responsible innovation in robotics and AI.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
- 1