Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Simone Penati is a researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and assistive technology, with a primary focus on designing social robots for vulnerable populations. Her most significant contribution is the development of **Puffy**, an inflatable mobile robotic companion specifically created for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and for pre-schoolers. Working closely with therapists, special educators, and psychologists, Penati engineered Puffy to be a safe, soft, and engaging interactive tool that stands apart from rigid, traditional robots. Her work, detailed in papers such as "Puffy - an Inflatable Mobile Interactive Companion for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders" (11 citations) and "Puffy — An inflatable robotic companion for pre-schoolers" (7 citations), demonstrates a user-centered design philosophy that prioritizes emotional comfort and therapeutic play. By translating clinical and educational needs into a friendly, Baymax-inspired robot, Penati has laid foundational groundwork for affordable, non-intimidating robotic aids. Her cumulative research, with key papers garnering nearly 30 citations, is shaping how technology can be used to support social interaction and learning in children with special needs, marking her as an emerging leader in inclusive robotics.