Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Yuka Okada is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction, specializing in the nuanced design of social robot behaviors to enhance user experience and trust. Her work uniquely bridges robotics with affective computing, focusing on how robots can express and elicit emotions like *kawaii* (cute) through touch, apology, and intimate interaction. Okada’s most cited paper, “Two is better than one: Apologies from two robots are preferred” (2023, 30 citations), demonstrates her key contribution: that multi-robot apology strategies can significantly improve user forgiveness and perception of sincerity after service errors. She further explores how a robot’s touching behaviors—such as patting versus slapping—shape observers’ affiliative feelings and perceived relationships between robots, as seen in her 2022 work on “Kawaii emotions in presentations” (17 citations) and her 2020 studies on touch and whispering voices. By systematically investigating speed boundaries and tactile cues, Okada provides foundational guidelines for designing more empathetic and socially graceful service robots. Her work has direct implications for hospitality, retail, and caregiving, where robots must recover from mistakes and build rapport. With a growing citation record and innovative focus on multi-agent emotional dynamics, Okada is shaping the future of socially intelligent robotics.