Alessia Rullo

Papers

Total Citations

116

H-Index

About

Alessia Rullo is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction, assistive technologies, and inclusive design. Her work fundamentally explores how autonomous, socially intelligent robots can serve not merely as tools, but as compelling social mediators—creatures capable of fostering emotional connections and facilitating communication. Rullo’s most cited work, “Engaging with artificial pets” (62 citations), provides a foundational reflection on the complex dynamics of human-robot interaction, particularly with systems designed for social mediation rather than task completion. She has made landmark contributions to the field of play for disabled children, co-organizing workshops and leading field trials with the Iromec robot in primary schools. Her research demonstrates how interactive robots can support and stimulate play activities for children with physical, visual, hearing, and emotional impairments, transforming therapeutic and educational settings. Rullo’s concept of “emotional tuning” with proactive, autonomous artefacts highlights her focus on designing for rich, affective user experiences. Through her work on projects like “My Gym Robot” and her studies on experiencing “flow” with robotic companions, she has established herself as a key voice in creating meaningful, inclusive interactions between humans and technology.