Michelle Pak
Papers
1
Total Citations
63
H-Index
1
About
Michelle Pak is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on the subtle sensory and emotional dimensions of human-machine relationships. Her most-cited work, the 2012 study *"Can you hold my hand?"* (63 citations), is a landmark empirical investigation into how physical touch—specifically, the temperature of a robot’s hand—shapes human perceptions of robotic companionship. By randomly assigning 39 participants to hold either a warm or cold robot hand, Pak demonstrated that warmth significantly enhances feelings of trust, comfort, and social connection toward a robot. This contribution has been foundational for the design of socially assistive robots, influencing fields from healthcare robotics to affective computing. Pak’s research elegantly bridges engineering and psychology, showing that even minor physical attributes can profoundly impact user acceptance and emotional bonding. Her work continues to inspire new lines of inquiry into tactile communication and the role of sensory feedback in human-robot interaction, making her a key voice in the quest to create machines that feel less like tools and more like companions.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Can you hold my hand?63 citations · 2012