Isabella Revett

About

Isabella Revett is a pioneering researcher in human-robot interaction and educational technology, best known for her foundational work on robotic pets as storytelling companions for children. Her most-cited paper, "Designing PETS" (1999, 102 citations), introduced a groundbreaking modular robot that children can assemble from snap-together animal parts, then animate through the My Pets software to create and share their own narratives. This work was among the first to explore how tangible, interactive robots can empower children as storytellers, blending creative play with computational thinking. Revett’s research has had lasting impact, influencing the design of educational robotics platforms and child-robot interaction studies worldwide. Her contributions helped establish a new paradigm where robots are not just tools but co-creative partners in learning. By prioritizing child agency and narrative expression, Revett’s work continues to inspire researchers in human-robot interaction, interaction design, and developmental robotics. Her innovative approach remains a touchstone for those designing technologies that support children’s creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Designing PETS

   102 citations · 1999

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links