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About

Arlene Mannion is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction and dementia care, whose work explores how social robots can combat loneliness and social isolation among people living with dementia. Her most significant contribution is her involvement with the MARIO project, a companion robot designed to help individuals with dementia stay socially active through applications focused on hobbies, community engagement, and connection with loved ones. Her 2019 paper "Introducing the Social Robot MARIO to People Living with Dementia in Long Term Residential Care: Reflections" (42 citations) provides critical insights into real-world implementation, while her 2017 work "Interacting with Dementia: The MARIO Approach" (24 citations) outlines the robot's therapeutic framework. Mannion also conducted a Delphi survey (8 citations) to establish expert consensus on social robots' role in reducing isolation, and a multiple case study (7 citations) examining MARIO's effects on resilience. Her research bridges robotics, gerontology, and psychology, offering practical guidance for deploying assistive technologies in long-term care settings. Through her work, Mannion demonstrates how thoughtfully designed social robots can enhance quality of life for vulnerable populations, making her a key voice in the growing field of socially assistive robotics.