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About

Adriana Rios is a researcher specializing in assistive robotics, augmentative manipulation, and cognitive development in children with disabilities. Her work sits at the intersection of human-robot interaction, assistive technology, and developmental psychology, with a particular focus on creating equitable opportunities for children with motor impairments to engage in play, learning, and cognitive assessment. Rios's most influential contribution, "Using Virtual Robot-Mediated Play Activities to Assess Cognitive Skills" (2013), has garnered 40 citations and pioneered an innovative approach to evaluating cognitive abilities in children with and without disabilities through both physical and virtual robotic platforms. This work demonstrated the feasibility of using robot-mediated play as a meaningful assessment tool, opening new pathways for inclusive evaluation methods that accommodate diverse physical abilities. Her broader body of work explores how robotic systems can serve as augmentative manipulation tools, supporting cognitive and social development from infancy through early childhood. Her 2017 chapter further situates assistive robotic systems within established assistive technology frameworks, bridging theoretical models with practical educational and therapeutic applications. Collectively, Rios's research advocates for technology-driven solutions that empower children with motor disabilities to reach their developmental potential.