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About

Eduardo Kochenborger Duarte is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of robotics, ethics, and public safety, best known for co-founding the concept of “robot self-defense.” His work critically examines whether social robots should be permitted to use force against human attackers to protect victims, addressing a pressing ethical dilemma as robots become more prevalent in society. Duarte’s major contributions include a rapid scoping review and cultural comparison on robot self-defense (15 citations), which provides a broad framework for understanding global perspectives on this issue. He has also explored public trust in such systems, finding that people prefer competent, tele-operated robots that attempt to help (6 citations), and has delved into the ethical implications of robots causing harm to prevent greater violence (7 citations). His research is notable for its interdisciplinary approach, blending engineering, philosophy, and social science to inform policy and design. With a growing citation impact, Duarte is shaping the conversation on responsible robot autonomy, making his work essential for students and researchers interested in the future of human-robot interaction and the moral boundaries of artificial intelligence.