Laurens De Gauquier

About

Laurens De Gauquier is a pioneering researcher in the emerging field of service robotics in retail, whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of how humanoid robots can transform the shopping experience. Based primarily on field observational studies, De Gauquier's research examines critical questions around robot deployment strategy — from optimal placement and human-robot collaboration to the competitive dynamics between robots and tablet kiosks at the point of sale. His landmark 2021 study comparing humanoid robots with tablet kiosks in attracting and converting shoppers has garnered 87 citations, establishing him as a leading voice in retail robotics. Notably, De Gauquier brings a holistic perspective to the field, investigating not only customer-facing outcomes but also the often-overlooked experiences of frontline employees navigating a robot-integrated workplace (44 citations). His 2020 literature review synthesizing success factors and pitfalls for service robots provided the field with a much-needed conceptual foundation. With a body of work spanning customer behavior, employee expectations, media richness theory, and practical deployment decisions, De Gauquier's cumulative contributions — totaling over 260 citations — make him an essential reference point for anyone researching the future of retail technology.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   From stopping to shopping: An observational study comparing a humanoid service robot with a tablet service kiosk to attract and convert shoppers

   87 citations · 2021
2. 2
   Frontline employee expectations on working with physical robots in retailing

   44 citations · 2022
3. 3
   Together or alone: Should service robots and frontline employees collaborate in retail-customer interactions at the POS?

   40 citations · 2022
4. 4
   In or out? A field observational study on the placement of entertaining robots in retailing

   35 citations · 2021
5. 5
   The Rise of Service Robots in Retailing: Literature Review on Success Factors and Pitfalls

   22 citations · 2020
6. 6
   Humanoid Robot Pepper at a Belgian Chocolate Shop

   16 citations · 2018
7. 7
   Media richness effectiveness: Humanoid robots with or without voice, or just a tablet kiosk?

   15 citations · 2023
8. 8
   The effect of a humanoid service robot versus a tablet service kiosk in retail: an observational study

   2 citations · 2019
9. 9
   Is robotic shopping set to be the next big thing

   2 citations · 2019

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links