Francesco Piunti

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Francesco Piunti is a researcher in human-robot interaction (HRI), with a primary focus on how robots can effectively capture and direct human attention through communication cues. His work bridges robotics, cognitive science, and multimodal interaction, exploring how robots can use visual, auditory, and tactile signals to engage users naturally. Piunti’s most-cited paper, “Evaluation of Unimodal and Multimodal Communication Cues for Attracting Attention in Human–Robot Interaction” (2014, 13 citations), systematically compares the effectiveness of single versus combined cues—such as gestures, speech, and lights—in drawing human attention. This study provides foundational insights for designing more intuitive and responsive social robots, particularly in collaborative or assistive contexts. While his citation count reflects a focused, early-career impact, Piunti’s contributions are notable for their practical implications: they inform how robots can be programmed to communicate without overwhelming or confusing users, a key challenge in HRI. His work is especially relevant for researchers developing robots for education, healthcare, or public spaces, where effective attention-getting is critical for seamless interaction. Piunti’s research underscores the importance of multimodal design in making robots more socially adept and user-friendly.