Jessica Herring

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About

Jessica Herring is a rising scholar in human-robot interaction, with a focused interest in how the visual design of robots shapes human perception and engagement. Her work sits at the intersection of robotics, psychology, and design, exploring the subtle but powerful ways that a robot’s physical form—particularly its non-anthropomorphic features—influences user trust, preference, and willingness to interact. In her most-cited pilot study (2024, 3 citations), Herring demonstrated that first impressions of robot arm aesthetics significantly affect user perception and decision-making, addressing a critical gap in understanding how non-humanlike designs impact human-robot dynamics. This early contribution lays the groundwork for more intuitive and socially acceptable robotic systems, with implications for everything from manufacturing to healthcare. Though her career is just beginning, Herring’s work is already sparking conversation in the field, offering a fresh perspective on the often-overlooked role of industrial design in fostering effective human-robot collaboration. Her research promises to help engineers and designers create robots that are not only functional but also visually welcomed by the people they are meant to serve.