About

David Hewson is a leading researcher at the intersection of socially assistive robotics, artificial intelligence, and gerontechnology, whose work focuses on enhancing the quality of life for older adults. His primary research areas include culturally competent human-robot interaction, independent living technologies, and the design of robotic companions for ageing populations. Hewson’s most significant contribution is his leadership in the CARESSES project, culminating in a landmark randomised controlled trial (101 citations) that demonstrated how culturally competent AI embedded into social robots can improve wellbeing in older adult care homes. He also led foundational work identifying activities that threaten independent living, providing a crucial evidence base for meaningful service robot functionality (56 citations). As a key figure in the ACCOMPANY project, Hewson advanced multidimensional approaches to human-system interactions for ageing years, addressing technical, ethical, and social dimensions of robotic companionship. His research has shaped international discourse on how assistive technologies can support dignified ageing, with his publications collectively cited over 300 times. Hewson’s work stands out for its rigorous experimental design and its commitment to embedding cultural sensitivity into AI systems—a pioneering achievement in socially assistive robotics.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

6
H-Index
7
Papers
299
Total Citations
43
Avg Citations/Paper
🏆 Most Cited Paper
The CARESSES Randomised Controlled Trial: Exploring the Health-Related Impact of Culturally Competent Artificial Intelligence Embedded Into Socially Assistive Robots and Tested in Older Adult Care Homes
101 citations · 2021
📈 Most Prolific Year: 2013 (4 Papers)
🤝 Key Collaborators: 43
🏛 Institutions: University of Bedfordshire, Université de Technologie de Troyes, Agencia Regional da Energia e Ambiente da Regiao Autonoma da Madeira, Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo

Top Papers

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Key Collaborators

Contact & Links

Available for collaboration
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