Hilaire J. Thompson

Papers

Total Citations

240

H-Index

About

Hilaire J. Thompson is a leading researcher at the intersection of gerontology, human-robot interaction, and healthcare technology. Her work fundamentally rethinks how robotic systems can support aging populations, focusing not just on functional assistance but on emotional and social well-being. Thompson’s landmark 2016 paper, “Rethinking the Design of Robotic Pets for Older Adults” (93 citations), challenged prevailing assumptions by arguing that robotic companions should be designed for meaningful engagement rather than merely addressing loneliness. She further advanced the field with her 2017 study on “Acceptance and perceived usefulness of robots to assist with activities of daily living and healthcare tasks” (79 citations), which provided critical insights into how older adults with chronic conditions view robotic assistance for independent living. Her cross-sectional work on “Comfort and Attitudes Towards Robots Among Young, Middle‐Aged, and Older Adults” (68 citations) revealed generational differences in robot acceptance, shaping how developers tailor technology for diverse age groups. Thompson’s contributions have been instrumental in moving robotics from a purely engineering challenge to a human-centered design problem, ensuring that technology serves the real needs and preferences of older adults. Her research continues to influence both academic discourse and practical design guidelines for assistive robotics.