Oren Zuckerman
Harvard University, Reichman University, Herzliya Medical Center
Papers
19
Total Citations
972
H-Index
15
About
Oren Zuckerman is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction, specializing in the design of non-humanoid robotic objects that foster social connection and emotional well-being. His work explores how abstract, peripheral robots can influence human behavior, from improving interpersonal communication to supporting healthy aging. Zuckerman’s most cited paper, “Design and Evaluation of a Peripheral Robotic Conversation Companion” (142 citations), introduces Kip1, a robot that increases awareness of one’s impact on others. He has also pioneered research on robotic interfaces for smart-home control (134 citations) and the use of companion robots for older adults (118 citations), addressing feelings of isolation and “being-seen.” His notable studies on robot-mediated ostracism (“Excluded by Robots,” 57 citations) and human-human-robot interaction (68 citations) reveal how robotic gestures can enhance social dynamics. Zuckerman’s contributions extend to tangible interaction and biological prototyping, as seen in his OpenLH project (48 citations). With over 800 total citations, his work challenges assumptions about robot design, emphasizing that companionship is not a function but a relational experience.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Design and Evaluation of a Peripheral Robotic Conversation Companion142 citations · 2015
- 2Comparing Social Robot, Screen and Voice Interfaces for Smart-Home Control134 citations · 2017
- 3Home robotic devices for older adults: Opportunities and concerns118 citations · 2019
- 4The Greeting Machine: An Abstract Robotic Object for Opening Encounters89 citations · 2018
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- 7Excluded by Robots57 citations · 2021
- 8
- 9Robots are Always Social48 citations · 2019
- 10OpenLH48 citations · 2019