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About

Leonardo Giusti is a pioneering researcher in the field of socially assistive robotics and human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on designing technology that supports vulnerable populations, including people living with dementia and children with disabilities. His most influential work, "Socially Assistive Robotics in the Treatment of Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia" (2006, 106 citations), helped establish socially assistive robotics as a legitimate and impactful area of scholarly inquiry, distinguishing social robots from purely physical assistive devices and entertainment systems. Giusti has made significant contributions to understanding how robots can serve as meaningful social mediators rather than mere utilitarian tools. His work on the Iromec project exemplifies this vision, producing a modular robot companion designed to empower children with varying disabilities to explore diverse play styles — from solitary to cooperative — reflecting his deep commitment to inclusive design. His research consistently foregrounds human values and interpretative experience, as seen in studies exploring emotional engagement with autonomous artefacts and nonverbal communication in dementia care. With a body of work spanning interaction design, disability studies, and therapeutic robotics, Giusti remains a compelling voice at the intersection of technology, accessibility, and human dignity.