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About

Francesca Bertacchini is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of social robotics, education, and human-computer interaction. Her work primarily explores how robotic companions and AI technologies can transform learning experiences and support individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Bertacchini’s most influential contribution, "Shopping with a robotic companion" (2017, 168 citations), established her as a leader in human-robot interaction, demonstrating how social robots can assist in everyday tasks. She has also made significant strides in educational technology, with her 2020 study on Industry 4.0 technologies in tourism education (99 citations) showing how to nurture students’ technological thinking. Her recent groundbreaking work on a social robot connected with ChatGPT to improve cognitive functioning in ASD subjects (2023, 71 citations) addresses the critical healthcare burden of neurodevelopmental disorders, offering innovative AI-driven solutions for assessment and treatment. Bertacchini’s research on educational robotics labs (2017, 33 citations) and project-based learning for computational thinking (2022, 33 citations) has reshaped how universities teach engineering and humanities students. Her diverse portfolio, spanning emotion recognition in manufacturing to virtual environments in the Galápagos Islands, showcases her versatility. With over 400 total citations, Bertacchini continues to bridge technology and human well-being, making her work essential reading for students and researchers in robotics, education, and assistive technology.