Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Joe Daly is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction, artificial intelligence, and special education. His work centers on co-designing social robots—specifically Softbank Pepper—to support the well-being and learning of autistic children in Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools. Daly’s major contribution lies in demonstrating how vulnerable populations can actively shape technology through participatory design, rather than being passive recipients. His landmark study, embedding a social robot in a school for autistic children (23 citations), revealed that robots are best viewed as “teaching aids or resources external to the classroom,” not replacements for human interaction. This work, alongside his co-design methodology (14 citations) and application of UNICEF’s AI for Children guidance (8 citations), has established a rigorous, ethical framework for deploying AI with neurodivergent users. Daly’s research is notable for its real-world impact: his co-designed interventions prioritize children’s agency, safety, and emotional well-being, setting a new standard for inclusive technology. For students and researchers, Daly’s work offers a compelling model of how to blend technical innovation with deep social responsibility, proving that the most meaningful AI is built with—not just for—its most vulnerable users.