Eric Fiterman

About

Eric Fiterman is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction and educational technology, best known for his groundbreaking work on robotic pets for children. His most influential contribution is the 1999 paper "Designing PETS," which introduced a modular robotic system that allows children to build their own robotic pets by snapping together animal parts and then program them through storytelling software. This work, cited over 100 times, laid the foundation for tangible, child-centered robotics, blending creativity, narrative, and technology. Fiterman's research explores how interactive robots can support learning, emotional development, and self-expression in young users. His approach emphasizes user-driven design, where children are not just consumers but active creators of their robotic companions. By integrating storytelling with robotics, Fiterman opened new avenues for educational tools that foster imagination and technical skills. His work remains highly influential in the fields of child-computer interaction and social robotics, inspiring subsequent research on companion robots, programmable toys, and narrative-based learning systems. Fiterman's contributions continue to shape how we think about technology's role in childhood development.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Designing PETS

   102 citations · 1999

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links