Mengyu Chen

Papers

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About

Mengyu Chen is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction, with a focus on designing persuasive robotic systems to mitigate digital distractions. Her work centers on the intersection of behavioral psychology, ubiquitous computing, and affective robotics, particularly addressing the pervasive issue of endogenous smartphone interruptions in study and work environments. Chen’s major contribution lies in developing low-cost, socially-aware robotic agents that leverage non-verbal cues—such as posture, light modulation, and gaze—to intrinsically motivate behavior change. Her 2023 paper, "A Persuasive Robot that Alleviates Endogenous Smartphone-related Interruption" (4 citations), introduces a desk lamp-augmented robot that uses physical presence and expressive lighting to reduce phone use, demonstrating a novel approach to ambient persuasion. In "Labo is Watching You" (1 citation), she further explores how affordable gaze and posture mechanisms can enhance a robot’s persuasive influence. Though early in her career, Chen’s work is notable for its practical, accessible design philosophy, aiming to integrate persuasive robotics into everyday objects. Her research has implications for digital wellbeing, productivity, and the ethical design of autonomous systems, positioning her as an emerging voice in the field of socially assistive robotics.