Heli Valokivi

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About

Heli Valokivi is a leading researcher at the intersection of gerontechnology and human-robot interaction, with a focused expertise on enhancing robot literacy and accessibility for older adults. Her work centers on designing and evaluating socially assistive robots (SARs) to improve quality of life in care home settings. Valokivi’s major contributions include developing the "Robotour for Seniors" (RTS) co-learning model, a pioneering workshop series that empowers residents aged 75+ to interact with diverse robots like Paro, Nao, Furhat, and Pepper. This model, detailed in her 2025 paper (2 citations), fosters collaborative learning and demystifies technology for seniors. Her 2024 study on "Accessibility in Senior-Robot Interactions within Care Homes" (3 citations) critically examines how SARs can be made more intuitive and inclusive, addressing barriers to adoption. While her citation counts are early-stage, reflecting the novelty of her work, Valokivi’s research is highly impactful for its practical, human-centered approach. She is recognized for bridging the digital divide, ensuring that the oldest members of society can benefit from robotic companionship and assistance. Her achievements position her as a key voice in ethical, accessible robotics for aging populations.