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Driven by a vision of robots as compassionate companions for an ageing society, Julie Behan’s research centers on service robotics, autonomous navigation, and human-robot interaction. Her most significant contribution is the development of **LUCAS (Limerick University Computerised Assistive System)**, a mobile robotic assistant designed to support elderly individuals with mild cognitive or physical challenges. Behan’s seminal work, *“The development of an autonomous service robot. Implementation: ‘Lucas’—The library assistant robot”* (2007, 28 citations), details the integration of localization algorithms and intuitive interaction systems that enable the robot to autonomously navigate and assist in real-world environments, such as a library. This foundational research, alongside her earlier studies on LUCAS (2006, 8 citations), showcases her pioneering approach to embedding assistive robots into daily life, bridging the gap between complex robotics and user-friendly assistance. Behan’s work not only advances autonomous navigation but also highlights the societal potential of service robots, making her a key figure in the evolution of assistive robotics for an aging population.