Laura Santos

About

Laura Santos is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) therapy. Her work focuses on designing and validating socially assistive robotic systems that support the motor, social, and cognitive development of children with ASD — a field where her contributions have earned over 130 citations across fewer than a decade of research. Santos's most influential work includes a comprehensive robotic coaching platform integrating quantitative performance evaluation into dyadic human-robot interactions, cited 34 times since 2021, and a widely referenced scoping review of robotics applications in autism — the largest of its kind — cited 26 times. Her gesture recognition algorithms and attention classification systems demonstrate a sophisticated blend of machine learning and clinical insight, enabling therapists to objectively monitor behavioral progress in real time. A hallmark of her research is its translational ambition: platforms like IOGIOCO and CopyRobot move from laboratory design to validated clinical pilots with real children, often utilizing the NAO humanoid robot for its child-friendly, engagement-enhancing qualities. Santos's portfolio reflects a sustained commitment to making robotic therapy not merely technically sound, but genuinely impactful for neurodivergent children and their families.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Design of a Robotic Coach for Motor, Social and Cognitive Skills Training Toward Applications With ASD Children

   34 citations · 2021
2. 2
   A gesture recognition algorithm in a robot therapy for ASD children

   28 citations · 2022
3. 3
   Applications of Robotics for Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Scoping Review

   26 citations · 2023
4. 4
   Design and validation of two embodied mirroring setups for interactive games with autistic children using the NAO humanoid robot

   15 citations · 2019
5. 5
   Attention Analysis in Robotic-Assistive Therapy for Children With Autism

   11 citations · 2024
6. 6
   Interactive mirrOring Games wIth sOCial rObot (IOGIOCO): a pilot study on the use of intransitive gestures in a sample of Italian preschool children with autism spectrum disorder

   7 citations · 2024
7. 7
   Sharing Worlds: Design of a Real-Time Attention Classifier for Robotic Therapy of ASD Children

   6 citations · 2022
8. 8
   CopyRobot: Interactive Mirroring Robotics Game for ASD Children

   6 citations · 2019
9. 9
   Development of an Interactive Total Body Robot Enhanced Imitation Therapy for ASD children

   5 citations · 2022

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links