Julie Brunelle

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About

Julie Brunelle is a leading researcher in child–robot interaction and assistive technologies for neurodevelopmental disorders. Her work centers on leveraging social robotics to support children with severe dysgraphia and related motor-learning challenges. In her most-cited study, “It Is Not the Robot Who Learns, It Is Me,” she introduced a groundbreaking intervention where a child teaches a robot to write via tablet-based demonstration. This approach, combined with targeted games for pressure, tilt, speed, and letter liaison control, was successfully applied to a 10-year-old boy with a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, demonstrating significant improvements in handwriting skills. With 58 citations, this paper has shaped the field of human–robot interaction for therapeutic education. Brunelle’s contributions highlight how shifting the child’s role from learner to teacher can enhance motivation and skill acquisition. Her work is notable for its innovative blend of robotics, gamification, and clinical practice, offering a scalable, engaging alternative to traditional occupational therapy. She continues to explore how embodied, interactive technologies can empower children with special needs, making her a pivotal figure in inclusive educational technology.