Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Francesca Policastro is a leading researcher at the intersection of pediatric neurology and rehabilitation robotics. Her primary focus is on developing and validating robot-assisted therapies for children with neurological disabilities, a field where she has helped establish foundational clinical guidelines. As a key contributor to the Italian Consensus Conference CICERONE, Policastro co-authored the landmark 2022 paper that produced the first comprehensive national recommendations on definitions, classifications, and clinical applications of robotic technologies in pediatric rehabilitation. This work, which has already garnered 7 citations, directly addresses the critical gap in standardized frameworks for evaluating the effectiveness of these emerging tools. Her research is instrumental in translating complex engineering into practical, evidence-based protocols that improve motor outcomes and quality of life for young patients. By bridging clinical practice with technological innovation, Policastro is shaping how rehabilitation is delivered to children with conditions such as cerebral palsy and acquired brain injuries, ensuring that robotic interventions are both safe and efficacious.