Giulia Leonardi
Papers
5
Total Citations
55
H-Index
5
About
Giulia Leonardi is a researcher at the intersection of human-computer interaction, assistive technology, and child development. Her work focuses on designing technology-based therapeutic tools and robotic companions for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including language impairments, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and developmental language disorder (DLD). Leonardi’s major contributions include the development of Puffy, an inflatable mobile interactive companion for preschoolers and children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Inspired by Disney’s Baymax, Puffy is unique for its soft, safe, and mobile design, co-created with therapists and educators to support playful learning and therapeutic engagement. Her most-cited paper (26 citations) introduces a psycholinguistic-driven approach to design patterns for technology-based speech-language therapy, addressing critical gaps in current interventions. With additional works on robot design guidelines and social robotics, Leonardi’s cumulative impact—evidenced by citations across multiple studies—highlights her role in advancing accessible, evidence-based assistive technologies. Her collaborative, child-centered methodology and innovative use of inflatable robotics make her a notable figure in inclusive design for special education and pediatric therapy.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
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- 3Puffy — An inflatable robotic companion for pre-schoolers7 citations · 2017
- 4
- 5Puffy, a Friendly Inflatable Social Robot5 citations · 2018