Hamza Mahdi
Papers
8
Total Citations
221
H-Index
5
About
Hamza Mahdi is a researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction (HRI), social robotics, and inclusive design, with a focus on creating technologies that empower children with special needs. His most cited work, a comprehensive survey on the design and evolution of social robots (142 citations), provides evidence-based guidelines for the field, tracing its past, present, and future. Mahdi’s core contribution lies in developing MyJay, an open-source, semi-autonomous robot that acts as a proxy for children with physical disabilities, enabling them to engage in physical play with peers—a breakthrough in accessible, robot-assisted play. His co-design study with 22 children on using robots for anti-bullying peer-support (40 citations) further showcases his commitment to user-centered, socially impactful robotics. By involving children with special needs directly in the design process, as seen in his work on user-centered social robot design, Mahdi ensures his innovations are both practical and empathetic. With growing citation counts and a portfolio that spans physiological adaptation in HRI to accessible play, Mahdi is shaping a future where robots serve as connectors, breaking down barriers for vulnerable populations.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1A survey on the design and evolution of social robots — Past, present and future142 citations · 2022
- 2Robots, Bullies and Stories: A Remote Co-design Study with Children40 citations · 2021
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- 7Let's Play Together3 citations · 2021
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