Daniel McDonald

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Daniel McDonald is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction, with a specific focus on how people perceive and engage with humanoid robots in real-world settings. His work bridges robotics, education, and social psychology, exploring the dynamics of human reactions to autonomous machines outside controlled laboratory environments. His most cited study, "Exploration of Human Reactions to a Humanoid Robot in Public STEM Education" (2017), stands as a foundational contribution, examining how a robot equipped with face recognition and conversational abilities is received in both a public park and a school setting. This work, with 3 citations, provides early, valuable insights into the practical challenges and opportunities of deploying social robots for educational outreach. McDonald’s research is notable for its emphasis on naturalistic observation, capturing authentic responses from diverse audiences—from students to casual passersby. By documenting the nuances of trust, curiosity, and hesitation in these interactions, his findings inform the design of more effective and socially acceptable educational robots. McDonald’s contributions are essential for anyone interested in the future of human-robot collaboration in public and pedagogical spaces.