Mei‐Feng Lin

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About

Mei-Feng Lin is a leading researcher in gerontechnology and dementia care, whose work explores how socially assistive robots can enhance the well-being of older adults. Her research centers on the intersection of human-robot interaction, cognitive health, and psychosocial support for individuals with dementia. Lin’s most impactful contribution is her investigation of the PARO therapeutic robot, a seal-like companion designed to provide emotional and cognitive stimulation. In her 2021 qualitative study, “Can the Paro be my Buddy?” (28 citations), she revealed how older adults form meaningful, affectionate bonds with PARO, framing the robot not as a machine but as a “buddy” that alleviates loneliness and fosters joy. Building on this, her 2024 randomized controlled trial (11 citations) demonstrated that a group-based PARO intervention significantly improved cognitive function, autonomic nervous system regulation, and mental well-being in older adults with mild dementia—a pioneering finding that bridges robotics with physiological health. Lin’s work has been instrumental in shifting perceptions of assistive robots from mere tools to therapeutic partners, earning her recognition as a key figure in evidence-based robot-assisted care. Her studies provide critical insights for designing non-pharmacological interventions that promote dignity and quality of life in aging populations.