Hanna Verdel
Papers
1
Total Citations
6
H-Index
1
About
Hanna Verdel is a researcher at the intersection of social robotics and developmental psychology, with a primary focus on human-robot interaction for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Her most cited work, "A Hybrid Robotics System for Children with Autism: A Longitudinal Study of Social Interaction inside the Classroom" (2021, 6 citations), represents a landmark empirical contribution to the field. In this pioneering 20-week longitudinal study, Verdel and her team deployed a hybrid robotics system—using the commercially available Cozmo robot—directly within a natural classroom setting with nine children with ASD. Rather than relying on controlled laboratory conditions, she investigated the real-world evolution of children's behaviors and gestures during prolonged interaction with the robot. This work is notable for its ecological validity and its rigorous, long-term design, offering rare insights into how social engagement with robotic systems develops over time in authentic educational environments. Verdel’s research bridges the gap between assistive technology and inclusive education, demonstrating how accessible robotic platforms can support social skill development in neurodiverse populations. Her findings have important implications for designing adaptive, classroom-integrated interventions that foster meaningful social interaction.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
- 1