Afaf Tourky
Papers
1
Total Citations
11
H-Index
1
About
Afaf Tourky’s research sits at the intersection of assistive robotics, human-robot interaction, and developmental psychology, with a focus on supporting children with visual impairments. Her most-cited work, “Robots for Pre-orientation and Interaction of Toddlers and Preschoolers who are Blind” (2003, 11 citations), pioneered the use of legged autonomous robots to establish multimodal interaction with blind and visually impaired children. This early study demonstrated how robots could serve as tools for pre-orientation—helping toddlers and preschoolers develop spatial awareness, social engagement, and communication skills before formal education. Tourky’s contributions are notable for being among the first to apply mobile robotics to early childhood disability support, predating the widespread use of assistive robots in educational settings. Her work has influenced subsequent research in socially assistive robotics and inclusive design, showing how technology can bridge developmental gaps for children with sensory disabilities. Though her citation count is modest, the conceptual and methodological impact of her research is significant, particularly in highlighting the potential of robots to foster interaction and learning in vulnerable populations.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1