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About

Yong Ling Tay is a researcher specializing in human-robot interaction (HRI) and social robotics, with a particular focus on the innovative intersection of humanoid robots and collaborative storytelling. Her work has made meaningful contributions to understanding how robots can serve as educational and entertainment partners, exploring the dynamics of Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) in everyday environments such as homes and classrooms. Tay's most influential research examines how humanoid robots can augment traditional storytelling experiences, an area she recognized as critically understudied despite growing evidence from social sciences that storytelling supports children's skill development. Her 2016 paper on human-robot partnership in collaborative storytelling has garnered 11 citations, establishing her as a pioneer in this niche but impactful domain. Her subsequent 2017 investigation into the distinct roles humans and robots play in collaborative narratives further refined this understanding. More recently, Tay has expanded her scope through her work on AdvBot, exploring human preferences in social robot interactions — a timely contribution given projections that social robotics will dominate the global robotics market by 2025. Across her portfolio, Tay's research bridges social science, education, and robotics, offering valuable insights for researchers designing human-centered robotic systems.