Nicoletta Massa

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About

Nicoletta Massa’s research lies at the intersection of human-robot interaction, gerontechnology, and applied psychology, with a focus on how robotic systems can support aging populations and emotional well-being. Her most influential work, “The Psychological Implications of Companion Robots” (2022, 16 citations), introduces a theoretical framework for understanding human attachment to companion and sexual robots, revealing the deep psychological mechanisms that drive these interactions. This foundational paper has shaped subsequent debates on robot ethics and user experience. Massa also explores practical applications: in “Autonomous and Remote Controlled Humanoid Robot for Fitness Training” (2020, 8 citations), she addresses COVID-19-induced isolation among older adults by designing robots that promote physical activity and reduce loneliness. Her ongoing work, “Questioning Items’ Link in Users’ Perception of a Training Robot for Elders” (2021, 3 citations), refines how users perceive robot-assisted training, contributing to more intuitive and acceptable assistive technologies. With a growing citation record and a clear trajectory from theory to application, Massa is establishing herself as a key voice in socially assistive robotics, bridging engineering, psychology, and gerontology to create robots that are not only functional but emotionally resonant.