S Hansen

Papers

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About

S. Hansen is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on proxemics and non-verbal communication in drone systems. Her most-cited work, "Knowing You, Seeing Me" (2018, 41 citations), fundamentally challenges traditional proxemics models by demonstrating their poor applicability to human-drone interactions. Through three rigorous studies, Hansen systematically evaluated four drone gestures inspired by human non-verbal greetings, establishing critical parameters for how drones can acknowledge human presence and signal appropriate interaction distances. This research has become foundational for designing socially-aware autonomous systems that navigate shared spaces safely and intuitively. Hansen's contributions bridge robotics, psychology, and design, offering practical frameworks for developing drones that communicate intent through gesture rather than relying solely on spatial prediction. Her work is particularly influential in shaping how researchers approach the challenge of making autonomous aerial systems more predictable and comfortable for humans. By grounding drone behavior in established human social cues, Hansen has opened new pathways for creating machines that integrate seamlessly into human environments, making her a key voice in the evolving field of socially interactive robotics.