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About

Belinda Ward is a leading researcher in social robotics, human-robot interaction, and autonomous navigation for resource-constrained platforms. Her work bridges the gap between practical robotics and real-world social applications, with a particular focus on deploying robots in educational and therapeutic settings. Ward’s most cited paper, “Image-Based Indoor Topological Navigation with Collision Avoidance for Resource-Constrained Mobile Robots” (2021, 12 citations), introduces a lightweight navigation system that enables small robots to move safely and autonomously in indoor environments—a critical step for expanding the mobility of social robots beyond stationary roles. She is also recognized for her pioneering work with the Pepper robot, demonstrating its potential to deliver automated, interactive tours of a robotics laboratory (2018, 7 citations), challenging the prevailing assumption that Pepper is limited to static interactions. In a novel application of social robotics to mental health, Ward’s 2021 study on robot-delivered low-intensity problem-solving therapy for higher education students (6 citations) shows how robots can support well-being services on campus. Her contributions are shaping the future of accessible, mobile, and socially assistive robots.