Eleonora Bilotta

About

Eleonora Bilotta is a pioneering Italian researcher whose work sits at the dynamic intersection of educational robotics, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction. With a career spanning over two decades, she has made substantial contributions to understanding how technology can transform learning, support neurodevelopmental disorders, and reshape consumer experiences. Bilotta's most influential work explores the integration of robots and AI into educational and social contexts. Her research on robotic shopping companions (168 citations) and Industry 4.0 technologies in tourism education (99 citations) highlights her forward-thinking approach to human-robot interaction in real-world settings. Particularly notable is her recent investigation into ChatGPT-connected social robots for improving cognitive functioning in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (71 citations), demonstrating her commitment to leveraging AI for meaningful healthcare applications. A consistent thread throughout her career is edutainment robotics — using robots as engaging learning tools across diverse student populations, from primary school children to university humanities students. Her Project-Based Learning research using NAO robots underscores her belief in hands-on, technology-driven pedagogy for developing computational thinking skills. Through sustained interdisciplinary scholarship, Bilotta has established herself as a leading voice in educational technology and socially assistive robotics.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Shopping with a robotic companion

   168 citations · 2017
2. 2
   Industry 4.0 technologies in tourism education: Nurturing students to think with technology

   99 citations · 2020
3. 3
   A social robot connected with chatGPT to improve cognitive functioning in ASD subjects

   71 citations · 2023
4. 4
   Edutainment Robotics as Learning Tool

   34 citations · 2009
5. 5
   An Educational Robotics Lab to Investigate Cognitive Strategies and to Foster Learning in an Arts and Humanities Course Degree

   33 citations · 2017
6. 6
   A Project Based Learning Approach for Improving Students’ Computational Thinking Skills

   33 citations · 2022
7. 7
   Edutainment Robotics as Learning Tool

   27 citations · 2009
8. 8
   Modeling and recognition of emotions in manufacturing

   8 citations · 2022
9. 9
   Motor-Manipulatory Behaviours and Learning: an Observational Study

   7 citations · 2008
10. 10
    Some problems of Programming in Robotics

    7 citations · 2000

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links