Angela Boltman

About

Angela Boltman is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction and educational technology, best known for her foundational work on robotic pets as storytelling companions for children. Her landmark 1999 paper, "Designing PETS," has garnered over 100 citations and introduced the innovative concept of a modular, buildable robotic pet that empowers children to construct their own animal companions using snap-together parts. Through the accompanying My Pets software, Boltman enabled young users to craft and narrate stories, transforming the robot from a mere toy into an interactive platform for creative expression and literacy development. This early work laid critical groundwork for the field of socially assistive robotics, demonstrating how tangible, programmable interfaces can foster engagement and learning in childhood education. Boltman’s contributions have influenced subsequent research on child-robot interaction, storytelling technologies, and the design of educational robots that prioritize user agency and imagination. Her vision of robots as co-creative partners continues to inspire educators, designers, and technologists exploring the intersection of play, narrative, and artificial intelligence.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Designing PETS

   102 citations · 1999

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links