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About

Miren Iturburu is a leading researcher in socially assistive robotics, with a focus on developing robotic ecosystems that promote independence and social inclusion for older adults. Her work centers on creating adaptive, user-empowering robotic systems that go beyond simple task automation to foster genuine human-robot interaction. Iturburu’s most significant contributions are encapsulated in the RAPP paradigm (Robotic Applications for Delivering Smart User Empowering Applications), a pioneering integrated architecture that enables robots to dynamically adjust their behavior through variable structure control systems. Her foundational papers, including “Towards an integrated robotics architecture for social inclusion” and “Variable structure robot control systems,” have each garnered 35 citations, underscoring their influence in the field. Notably, her research emphasizes the deployment of these systems in real-world care settings, bridging the gap between technical robotics and gerontechnology. Through the RAPP ecosystem, Iturburu has demonstrated how modular, cloud-connected robotic platforms can deliver personalized assistance, enhancing quality of life for aging populations. Her work stands as a cornerstone in the ethical design of inclusive robotics, inspiring further exploration into how machines can serve as compassionate companions.