Jori Zondag

Windesheim University of Applied Sciences

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Jori Zondag is a researcher whose work sits at the intersection of human-robot interaction, gerontechnology, and dementia care. Their most-cited paper, "Exploring Requirements and Alternative Pet Robots for Robot Assisted Therapy with Older Adults with Dementia" (2013, 46 citations), represents a foundational contribution to the design and deployment of socially assistive robots in therapeutic settings. Zondag’s research focuses on identifying the specific needs of older adults with dementia and translating those into actionable design requirements for pet-like robots, moving beyond generic robotic platforms to user-centered, context-sensitive solutions. This work has helped shape how roboticists and clinicians approach robot-assisted therapy, emphasizing empathy, simplicity, and adaptability over technical complexity. With 46 citations, the paper has influenced subsequent studies on animal-like robots in long-term care, demonstrating Zondag’s impact on both engineering and clinical practice. Their contributions are notable for bridging the gap between technical development and real-world application, ensuring that robotic interventions are not only functional but also meaningful for vulnerable populations. Zondag’s research continues to inform the ethical and practical deployment of robots in aging and healthcare contexts.