Papers
9
Total Citations
234
H-Index
5
About
Thorsten Kolling is a prominent researcher specializing in gerontechnology, human-robot interaction, and the psychosocial dimensions of care robotics for elderly populations. His work sits at the intersection of aging science and applied robotics, addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time: how to support an aging global population amid growing shortages of qualified healthcare professionals. Kolling's most influential contribution — "Acceptance of Social Robots by Elder People" (2017, 94 citations) — established critical links between psychosocial functioning and older adults' willingness to engage with companion robots. His parallel German-language work on emotional robots in care contexts has further shaped discourse in European gerontology. A recurring theme across his research is the nuanced psychology behind robot acceptance: his 2020 study revealed how elders' self-image and age-related stereotypes about "typical robot users" powerfully influence their openness to robotic companions — a finding with significant implications for inclusive design. Kolling has also contributed rigorous empirical analyses of specific platforms like PARO and PLEO, bridging theoretical frameworks with real-world deployment evidence. With over 230 cumulative citations, his body of work has meaningfully advanced understanding of how emotional robotics can — and should — be thoughtfully integrated into elder care.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2Emotionale Roboter im Pflegekontext61 citations · 2017
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- 5What Is Emotional About Emotional Robotics?13 citations · 2016
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- 8Roboter in der Therapie2 citations · 2021
- 9