Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Sara Nielsen is a leading researcher at the intersection of Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) and User Experience (UX), specializing in how people naturally engage with robots in public, unguided settings. Her work is pivotal in understanding real-world human-robot encounters, moving beyond controlled lab studies to examine complex, dynamic interactions in places like airports and public squares. Nielsen’s most cited paper (2022, 18 citations) leverages user-generated YouTube videos to analyze how people overcome breakdowns when interacting with professional service robots without instruction, offering unprecedented insight into spontaneous HRI. She further advances the field by developing practical tools for industry, notably the RODECA design canvas (2021, 8 citations), which bridges academic research and commercial development. Her studies on UX integration within large robotics organizations (2023, 10 citations) identify critical barriers at individual, team, and company levels, directly shaping how companies cultivate user-centered design. Nielsen’s field study at Aalborg Airport (2018, 8 citations) remains a landmark in understanding subjective user experiences with social robots in transit environments. With a growing citation record and a focus on translating academic findings into industrial practice, Nielsen is a key voice in making robotics more accessible, intuitive, and human-centered.