Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Maki Suzuki’s research sits at the critical intersection of gerontechnology, human-robot interaction, and ethical aging. Her work focuses on deploying socially assistive robots (SARs) to combat loneliness and cognitive decline among older adults living alone—a rapidly growing demographic. Suzuki’s major contributions include pioneering pilot studies that empirically measure the long-term effects of companion robots, revealing both benefits and ethical pitfalls such as emotional deception and reduced human contact. Her most-cited paper (2023, 21 citations) examines the consequences of robot absence on frail older adults, while a subsequent trial (13 citations) explores social robots as tools to mitigate isolation in those with cognitive impairment. She has also conducted exploratory feasibility studies on conversational robots for cognitively impaired individuals living alone (2025, 6 citations), advancing practical, real-world deployment. Suzuki’s work is notable for its balanced ethical lens—acknowledging the therapeutic potential of SARs while rigorously documenting their psychosocial risks. Her preliminary trials provide foundational evidence for designing responsible, human-centered robotic interventions in elder care.