Noam Freund
Papers
1
Total Citations
9
H-Index
1
About
Noam Freund is a rising scholar in human-robot interaction (HRI), whose work illuminates the subtle yet powerful dynamics that shape how people connect with machines. His research centers on the critical role of initial encounters, drawing from social psychology to understand how a robot’s very first behaviors can set the trajectory for an entire interaction. In his highly cited 2024 paper, “The Power of Opening Encounters in HRI,” Freund demonstrates that the valence of a robot’s opening moves—whether warm, neutral, or abrupt—profoundly influences subsequent human engagement, trust, and cooperation. This work bridges a gap between established psychological theory and emerging robotic design, offering concrete evidence that first impressions matter as much with machines as with people. Though early in his career, Freund’s findings have already garnered attention for their practical implications, suggesting that engineers must prioritize the design of initial robotic greetings and gestures. His research promises to reshape how we build socially adept robots, making them more intuitive partners in homes, hospitals, and public spaces.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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