Papers
10
Total Citations
142
H-Index
7
About
Ana Cristina Pires is a human-computer interaction researcher whose work sits at the intersection of accessible technology, inclusive education, and assistive robotics. Her research has made significant contributions to the challenge of making computational thinking accessible to children with visual impairments and neurodiverse learners — a field where meaningful solutions have historically been scarce. Most notably, she developed ACCembly, an accessible block-based programming environment that addresses spatial programming challenges for visually impaired children, explored both in classroom and home settings (75 combined citations). Her TACTOPI project extended this vision into playful, multisensory robotics environments designed to foster inclusion across mixed-ability classrooms. Beyond childhood education, Pires has investigated how assistive robots can combat social isolation among older adults in care homes, demonstrating a broad commitment to vulnerable populations across the lifespan. Her participatory approach is a hallmark of her methodology — she consistently co-designs with the communities she serves, including neurodiverse children and their teachers. With over 140 total citations and a growing body of work spanning accessible programming, inclusive play, and human-robot interaction, Pires is establishing herself as a leading voice in technology design for underserved and marginalized users.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 10Carrier-pigeon Robot4 citations · 2020