Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Maria Isabel Aldinhas Ferreira is a leading voice at the intersection of robotics, cognitive science, and ethics, whose work explores how autonomous systems can enhance human well-being. Her research focuses on cognitive architectures, human-robot interaction, and the ethical design of social robots, particularly for vulnerable populations. Her most impactful work, "Cognitive Architectures" (70 citations), provides foundational insights into artificial cognition, while "Robotics and Well-Being" (31 citations) examines how robotic systems can support quality of life. Ferreira is perhaps best known for her central role in the MOnarCH Project, where she led groundbreaking studies on a social robot deployed in a pediatric oncology ward. This long-term research—documented in papers like "Lessons from the MOnarCH Project" (9 citations) and "When Children Interact with Robots: Ethics in the MOnarCH Project" (5 citations)—yielded critical ethical guidelines and design principles for robots interacting with children in sensitive healthcare settings. Her work also addresses robots in ageing societies and how children conceptualize robots, demonstrating a rare ability to bridge technical design with human experience. With a career dedicated to ensuring technology serves humanity compassionately, Ferreira’s research continues to shape ethical robotics for real-world care.