Sarah Yousef Alhouli

Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Sarah Yousef Alhouli is a human-computer interaction researcher whose work centers on designing socially assistive robots to support the mental well-being of older adults, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her research uniquely bridges emotional health challenges with co-design methodologies, advocating for the active inclusion of older adults in the development of companion robots. Alhouli’s most cited paper, *Older Adults’ Emotional Challenges and Co-design Preferences for a Social Robot after the COVID-19 Pandemic* (10 citations), identifies how the pandemic intensified mental health needs among seniors and highlights their desire for empathetic, interactive robotic companions. She further explores multimodal robot pets that respond through sound and voice, and investigates how initial user experiences—especially in Kuwait—shape long-term acceptance of companion pet robots. By involving both older adults and young adults in the design process, Alhouli’s work challenges negative attitudes toward social robots and promotes culturally sensitive, user-driven innovation. Her contributions are vital for creating accessible, emotionally supportive technologies that foster healthy aging and social connection in an increasingly digital world.