Julie M. Robillard
Papers
17
Total Citations
438
H-Index
9
About
Julie M. Robillard is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of social robotics, digital health, and ethics, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations including older adults, individuals living with dementia, and children experiencing mental health challenges. Her work has fundamentally shaped our understanding of how socially assistive robots can serve as therapeutic and companion tools, while simultaneously interrogating the ethical complexities these technologies introduce. Robillard's most influential contributions examine both the promise and peril of human-robot relationships. Her widely cited 2020 papers — including "Are Friends Electric?" (107 citations) and a scoping review on robots as mental health interventions for children (112 citations) — established her as a leading voice on emotionally aligned robotics. She has championed co-creation methodologies, ensuring that end-users, including older adults and families navigating pediatric anxiety, actively shape robot design and functionality. Critically, Robillard doesn't shy away from difficult questions: her research probes issues of deception, data privacy, stigma, and manufacturers' unsubstantiated claims, ensuring the field develops responsibly. With over 400 cumulative citations across a focused body of work, her scholarship serves as an essential compass for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of social robotics in healthcare.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 2Are friends electric? The benefits and risks of human-robot relationships107 citations · 2020
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- 5Older adult perspectives on emotion and stigma in social robots30 citations · 2023
- 6Realizing the Potential of Robotics for Aged Care Through Co-Creation27 citations · 2020
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- 10Social robotics for children: an investigation of manufacturers’ claims7 citations · 2023