Ilaria Pica

International Institute for Advanced Scientific Studies "Eduardo R. Caianiello"

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Ilaria Pica is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction, assistive technologies, and social robotics, with a particular focus on aging populations. Her most cited work, "Elders prefer female robots with a high degree of human likeness" (2019, 26 citations), provides groundbreaking insights into how elderly users perceive and accept robotic companions. By systematically evaluating preferences for robot gender and appearance, Pica established a foundational methodology for designing assistive robots that align with the emotional and social needs of older adults. Her research demonstrates that matching a robot’s role and appearance to user expectations is critical for adoption, a finding that has shaped subsequent studies in gerontechnology and human-robot interaction. Beyond this seminal paper, Pica’s contributions extend to developing user-centered frameworks for robotic design, emphasizing the importance of empathy and cultural sensitivity in technology. Her work has been cited by researchers in robotics, psychology, and human-computer interaction, highlighting its interdisciplinary impact. For students and scholars, Pica’s research offers a compelling model of how to bridge engineering and social science to create technologies that truly serve vulnerable populations.