Designing for Connection: Social-Physical Human–Robot Interaction and Emotionally Intelligent Technology

Abstract:

Emerging robotic and interactive technologies are beginning to move beyond task performance and into the emotional and social fabric of everyday life. This talk introduces social-physical human–robot interaction (spHRI) as an emerging research subfield focused on how embodied systems use touch, movement, and social behavior to shape human emotional experience and well-being. Drawing on work from the SaPHaRI (Social and Physical Human–Robot Interaction) Lab. I will discuss how embodiment, physical interaction, and social behavior shape people’s emotional experiences with technology, and why these factors are critical for systems intended to support mental health, social connection, and quality of life. Through examples spanning theoretical frameworks, system design, and human-subject studies, this work explores how robots can move from being tools to becoming supportive, socially aware partners. Together, these efforts aim to build a scientific foundation for technologies that engage the whole person, cognitively, socially, and physically.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Alexis E. Block is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering at Case Western Reserve University, where she directs the SaPHaRI Lab (Social and Physical Human–Robot Interaction).  Her research advances human-centered and emotionally intelligent robotics, with a focus on how embodiment, physical interaction, and system behavior influence human emotional and social outcomes. She develops theoretical frameworks, sensing and actuation systems, and interactive robotic platforms designed to support well-being, social connection, and mental health. Dr. Block received her PhD through the Center for Learning Systems, a joint program between ETH Zurich and the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems. Her work has been recognized with honors, including the Otto Hahn Medal and a Computing Innovation Fellowship, and has been featured in international media.