Zhitian Liao

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Zhitian Liao is a researcher whose work bridges human-robot interaction and socially impactful technology. Best known for pioneering the design and deployment of fundraising robots, Liao’s most cited study, "iCharibot: Design and Field Trials of a Fundraising Robot" (2013, 11 citations), introduced a novel platform that leverages robotic presence to encourage charitable giving in public spaces. This work not only demonstrated the practical viability of robots in prosocial contexts but also provided foundational insights into how robot behavior—such as expressive gestures and persuasive dialogue—can influence human generosity. Liao’s contributions extend to the broader field of social robotics, where their research explores the engineering and ethical dimensions of deploying autonomous systems for community benefit. Though their citation count reflects a focused, early-career impact, the iCharibot project stands out as a landmark case study in applied human-robot interaction, inspiring subsequent work on robots for social good. For students and researchers, Liao’s work offers a compelling example of how technical innovation can be harnessed to address real-world social challenges, making robotics not just a tool for efficiency, but a catalyst for positive behavioral change.