Katie Edwards
Papers
5
Total Citations
292
H-Index
4
About
Dr. Katie Edwards is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction, specializing in the user-centered design of socially assistive robots for older adults and dementia care. Her major contributions lie in demonstrating that effective companion robots—like the robotic seal Paro—must be designed with direct input from end-users, not just engineers. Through observational studies and focus groups, she has shown that older people’s preferences often differ significantly from roboticists’ assumptions, a finding that has reshaped design methodologies in the field. Her work has garnered substantial impact, with her most-cited paper (2019) accumulating 138 citations and her 2021 qualitative study reaching 52 citations. Notably, she led a stratified cluster randomized controlled trial during the COVID-19 pandemic, proving that affordable pet robots can be successfully implemented in care homes even under crisis conditions. By bridging robotics, gerontology, and participatory design, Edwards has provided actionable recommendations for creating robots that genuinely improve well-being—reducing agitation and depression—while also addressing practical barriers to adoption. Her research is essential reading for anyone interested in ethical, effective technology for aging populations.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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