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About

Marzia Degiorgi is a researcher at the forefront of human-robot interaction, specializing in the design of social robots for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and early childhood education. Her most significant contribution is the creation of **Puffy**, an innovative inflatable mobile robotic companion that redefines therapeutic and educational play. Unlike rigid robots, Puffy’s soft, huggable design—inspired by Disney’s Baymax—was developed in close collaboration with therapists, special educators, and psychologists to ensure it meets the nuanced needs of its users. Degiorgi’s work, detailed in papers such as *“Puffy - an Inflatable Mobile Interactive Companion for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders”* (11 citations) and *“Puffy — An inflatable robotic companion for pre-schoolers”* (7 citations), demonstrates how a unique combination of mobility, inflatability, and friendly aesthetics can foster engagement, reduce anxiety, and support social skill development. Her research has been instrumental in bridging the gap between robotic technology and clinical practice, offering a safe, non-intimidating tool for therapy and learning. Degiorgi’s pioneering approach has laid a foundation for future accessible, child-friendly robotic companions, making her a notable figure in assistive robotics and child-computer interaction.