Erik Ploeger

Windesheim University of Applied Sciences

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Erik Ploeger’s research sits at the intersection of human-robot interaction, developmental robotics, and assistive technology, with a particular focus on supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). His most-cited work, “Robotic Task Complexity and Collaborative Behavior of Children with ASD” (2022), examines how varying robotic task demands can elicit or inhibit social engagement in children with ASD. Through small-scale studies, Ploeger demonstrates that collaborative robots—designed with appropriate complexity—can serve as powerful scaffolds for social skill development, offering a structured, predictable medium for practicing turn-taking, joint attention, and cooperation. Though his citation count is still growing (3 citations for his top paper), his contributions are notable for their practical, human-centered approach: rather than focusing solely on robot capabilities, he prioritizes the child’s behavioral response and therapeutic outcomes. Ploeger’s work is part of a broader effort to design socially assistive robots that are not just technically sophisticated but genuinely responsive to the needs of neurodiverse users. His research is particularly valuable for students and practitioners in human-robot interaction and special education, offering a clear example of how task design can bridge the gap between robotic systems and real-world social learning.