Ferdinando Fornara

Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies

Papers

Total Citations

295

H-Index

About

Ferdinando Fornara is a leading researcher in environmental and social psychology, with a particular focus on human-robot interaction and the psychological factors shaping our acceptance of technology in everyday life. His pioneering work investigates how people perceive, represent, and emotionally respond to robots, especially in domestic settings. Fornara’s most influential paper, “Robots in a domestic setting: a psychological approach” (2005), has garnered over 240 citations, establishing a foundational framework for understanding the psychological barriers and facilitators to integrating robots into homes. His earlier study, “If I had a Robot at Home... Peoples’ Representation of Domestic Robots” (2004), with 55 citations, further explores laypeople’s mental models and expectations, revealing critical insights into trust, comfort, and social presence. By bridging psychology and robotics, Fornara has shaped how designers and engineers approach user-centered robotics, emphasizing that successful domestic robots must align with human social and emotional needs. His work remains essential reading for students and researchers interested in the human side of technology adoption.