Yuko Yoshimura
Papers
3
Total Citations
185
H-Index
3
About
Yuko Yoshimura is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of developmental robotics and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) intervention. Her work focuses on leveraging humanoid robots to improve social communication in children with ASD, particularly targeting joint attention—a foundational skill for social interaction. In her landmark 2018 study (110 citations), she demonstrated that robotic intervention significantly enhances joint attention behaviors in children with ASD, offering a scalable, engaging alternative to traditional therapies. Yoshimura also investigates how technological agents, from simple screens to advanced humanoids, can elicit social attention in very young children (around age 3), comparing responses between ASD and typically developing groups (50 citations). Her novel system using two humanoid robots to evaluate ASD (25 citations) represents a breakthrough in objective, technology-driven assessment. By showing that robots can serve as both diagnostic tools and therapeutic partners, Yoshimura has opened new pathways for early intervention. Her work is widely cited for its practical implications in special education and assistive technology, positioning her as a key figure in translating robotics into real-world clinical impact.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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