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About

Heidi Janz is a dedicated researcher whose work lies at the vital intersection of assistive technology, pediatric rehabilitation, and human-robot interaction. Her primary focus is on developing innovative robotic platforms that empower individuals with physical impairments—particularly children with cerebral palsy—to engage in meaningful, independent play and environmental interaction. Janz’s major contributions include the design and preliminary testing of a haptics-assisted robot platform aimed at fostering cognitive and perceptual development through object exploration, a critical need for children with severe motor limitations. Her research has been cited over 47 times, with key papers such as “Preliminary testing by adults of a haptics-assisted robot platform designed for children with physical impairments to access play” (20 citations) and “Telerobotics-Assisted Platform for Enhancing Interaction with Physical Environments for People Living with Cerebral Palsy” (14 citations) demonstrating the growing interest in her work. Notably, her usability case study on a virtual assistance robotic system showcases her commitment to user-centered design, directly testing systems with individuals to ensure real-world applicability. Through her pioneering efforts, Janz is helping to break down barriers to play and physical exploration, offering new avenues for independence and quality of life.