Chiara Vaudano

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About

Chiara Vaudano is a researcher at the intersection of human-computer interaction, educational robotics, and child-centered design. Her work focuses on how social and educational robots can be developed through participatory methods, particularly by involving children as active co-designers. Her most cited paper, "Design and Development of a Social, Educational and Affective Robot" (2020, 29 citations), introduces Wolly, a robot whose form and behavior were shaped directly by kids, blending technical development with emotional and social engagement. In "Co-designing with kids an educational robot" (2018, 22 citations), she details the methodology and outcomes of co-design sessions, demonstrating how young users can meaningfully contribute to robot design. Vaudano’s contributions are notable for prioritizing user agency in robotics, ensuring that educational tools are not only functional but also socially and affectively resonant. Her work has informed child-robot interaction research and participatory design practices, with growing impact in the HCI and educational technology communities. By centering children’s voices in the design process, Vaudano is helping shape a more inclusive and empathetic future for social robotics.