Laureano Rodriguez

Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Laureano Rodriguez is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of robotics, human-robot interaction, and religious studies, best known for creating SanTO—the world’s first Catholic robot. His work addresses the growing need for socially assistive devices in ageing societies by integrating culturally sensitive design with advanced robotics. Rodriguez’s major contribution lies in demonstrating how religious symbolism can enhance technology acceptance, particularly among older adults. His most-cited paper, “The creation of SanTO: a robot with ‘divine’ features” (2018, 23 citations), introduces a robot inspired by Christian Catholic saint statues, blending sacred aesthetics with interactive capabilities. A follow-up study, “Communicating with SanTO – the first Catholic robot” (2019, 21 citations), traces the historical lineage from a 16th-century mechanical monk to modern robotic companions, showcasing how faith-based design fosters emotional and social bonds. Though his citation counts are modest, Rodriguez’s work is notable for its interdisciplinary boldness, bridging theology, engineering, and gerontechnology. His research has sparked discussions on culturally adaptive robotics and the role of spirituality in technology acceptance, positioning him as a unique voice in socially assistive robotics.