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About

Sara Kiesler is a pioneering figure in human-robot interaction (HRI), whose work has fundamentally shaped how we design robots for long-term, social engagement. Her research centers on understanding the psychological and social dynamics between people and machines, with a particular focus on how users perceive robot behavior, privacy, and anthropomorphism. In her landmark study "The Snackbot," Kiesler documented the design of a robot intended for extended real-world interaction, laying critical groundwork for the field by exploring how robots can maintain user interest and trust over time. She also investigated the trade-offs between predictability and adaptivity in robot handoffs, drawing inspiration from trained dogs and human behavior to create more intuitive robotic movements. Her work on anthropomorphism revealed how people naturally attribute human-like qualities to robots, influencing both design and user expectations. Though her citation counts are modest, Kiesler’s contributions are foundational: she was among the first to rigorously examine privacy concerns in HRI and to apply social science methods to robotic design. Her insights remain essential for anyone building robots that must coexist with people in homes, workplaces, and public spaces.