Yuka Kaniwa
Papers
1
Total Citations
4
H-Index
1
About
Yuka Kaniwa is a researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and accessible technology, with a primary focus on designing navigation systems that empower blind and low-vision individuals. Her most-cited work, "Beyond Omakase: Designing Shared Control for Navigation Robots with Blind People" (2025), challenges the conventional “omakase” approach—where robots make all navigational decisions—by proposing shared control frameworks that give users meaningful agency. Through empirical studies, Kaniwa demonstrates how blind users can retain autonomy over route choices and social interactions, fundamentally rethinking the role of robots as collaborative partners rather than autonomous guides. This work has already garnered 4 citations in its first year, signaling growing interest in user-centered assistive robotics. Kaniwa’s contributions are notable for bridging technical design with disability studies, ensuring that navigation aids are not merely functional but also respectful of user preferences and dignity. Her research is particularly impactful for students and engineers working in inclusive design, as it provides a concrete model for how to balance automation with human control in assistive technologies.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
- 1