Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Carl DiSalvo is a leading scholar at the intersection of design, technology, and politics, best known for pioneering the concept of adversarial design—a practice that uses technology design to provoke political engagement and critique. His foundational book, *Adversarial Design* (2012, 223 citations), has become a touchstone for researchers exploring the political dimensions of computing and human-computer interaction. DiSalvo’s early work in human-robot interaction (HRI) made significant contributions to understanding how people perceive and interact with robots, particularly through studies on robotic facial features (2002, 489 citations) and domestic service robots (2006, 509 citations). He also conducted influential ethnographic research on assistive robotics for aging adults living independently (2004, 172 citations), shaping the design of technologies for elder care. Beyond HRI, DiSalvo has advanced participatory design through community-based projects like the Neighborhood Networks project (2008, 108 citations), which used creative expression to foster critical engagement with urban environments. His work on broadening participation in computing, such as the Robot Diaries program for secondary school girls (2008, 55 citations), demonstrates his commitment to inclusive technology education. With over 1,800 total citations, DiSalvo’s research continues to inspire designers and scholars to reimagine technology as a site for democratic discourse and social change.