Grace Li

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About

Grace Li is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and gerontechnology, with a focus on supporting psychological well-being in later life. Her most-cited work, "Finding ikigai: How robots can support meaning in later life" (2022, 27 citations), introduces a groundbreaking framework for designing robots that foster eudaimonic well-being—moving beyond traditional goals of comfort or pleasure to help older adults cultivate purpose, connection, and a sense of meaning. This paper, which has quickly become a touchstone in the field, challenges the robotics community to consider how technology can support the deeper, existential dimensions of aging. Li’s contributions are notable for bridging positive psychology with robotic design, offering both theoretical insights and practical pathways for creating socially assistive robots that enhance not just quality of life, but life’s significance. Her work has been recognized for its human-centered, culturally informed approach, and she is increasingly cited by researchers exploring meaning-making, ikigai, and dignity in later life. Grace Li is shaping a future where robots do more than assist—they help people find purpose.