Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Deepak Ranjan Sahoo is a researcher at the forefront of human-robot interaction, with a focused expertise in designing socially assistive robots for older adults. His work critically addresses the emotional and mental health challenges that intensified among seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for inclusive, co-design methodologies. Sahoo’s key contributions include pioneering the integration of multimodal interactions—such as sound, voice, and touch—in companion pet robots to foster positive initial experiences and long-term acceptance. His most cited paper (2023, 10 citations) highlights the importance of involving older adults directly in the design process, while his subsequent studies (2025, 4 citations; 2024, 1 citation) explore how young adults can serve as effective co-designers for their older relatives, and how first impressions in cultural contexts like Kuwait shape robot adoption. By bridging generational and cultural gaps, Sahoo’s work not only advances the technical design of empathetic robotic companions but also provides actionable frameworks for improving mental well-being and social inclusion among aging populations. His research is essential reading for students and scholars interested in user-centered robotics, gerontechnology, and post-pandemic mental health interventions.