Harri Siirtola

Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Tampere University

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Harri Siirtola is a leading researcher at the intersection of human-computer interaction, gerontechnology, and socially assistive robotics (SARs). His work focuses on bridging the digital divide for older adults, particularly those in care home settings, by designing inclusive, co-learning models that enhance robot literacy. Siirtola’s major contributions include developing the “Robotour for Seniors” (RTS) framework, a pioneering co-learning model that empowers adults aged 75+ to interact with diverse social robots—such as Paro, Nao, Furhat, and Pepper—through structured workshops combining group discussion and hands-on engagement. His 2024 study on “Accessibility in Senior-Robot Interactions within Care Homes” (3 citations) and his 2025 RTS paper (2 citations) highlight his focus on making SARs accessible and meaningful for elderly populations, ensuring technology serves as a tool for social connection rather than isolation. By emphasizing co-learning and user-centered design, Siirtola’s work has significant implications for aging societies, offering a replicable model to improve quality of life through human-robot interaction. His research is essential reading for students and scholars in HCI, assistive technology, and age-friendly innovation.