Zhengde Wei

Shanghai International Studies University, University of Science and Technology of China

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Zhengde Wei investigates the neural and psychological underpinnings of human-robot interaction, with a focus on how we evaluate and respond to social robots. His work reveals that the amygdala, a brain region central to emotional processing, shows distinct activation patterns when people evaluate robots, suggesting that our social brain engages with machines in ways previously thought unique to human interactions. Wei’s research also explores the perception of humanoid robots as an evolutionary threat, drawing on science fiction narratives to understand deep-seated fears and biases. Although his most-cited papers are recent, with citations in the single digits, they represent emerging contributions to a rapidly growing field. His findings have implications for designing robots that are socially acceptable and for understanding the neural mechanisms of social cognition. Wei’s work sits at the intersection of affective neuroscience, social robotics, and evolutionary psychology, offering fresh insights into how humans navigate an increasingly automated world.