Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Pierpaolo Di Bitonto is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of social robotics, neurodegenerative disease, and therapeutic movement. His primary research areas focus on developing innovative, technology-mediated interventions for Parkinson’s disease, with a particular emphasis on dance therapy and human-robot interaction. Di Bitonto’s major contribution lies in demonstrating how structured dance—specifically Irish dancing—can serve as an effective, non-pharmacological intervention to improve motor symptoms, balance, and quality of life in people with Parkinson’s. His landmark work, the SI-ROBOTICS study protocol, has garnered 17 citations and laid the groundwork for integrating social robotics into active and healthy ageing paradigms. Building on this, his 2025 technical feasibility study (10 citations) provided critical evidence that robotic systems can successfully facilitate dance-based therapy, addressing a pressing need for scalable, engaging rehabilitation tools. Di Bitonto’s research is notable for its interdisciplinary approach, merging robotics, clinical neuroscience, and the arts to create meaningful, patient-centered solutions. His work not only advances scientific understanding but also offers practical, joyful pathways for managing a progressive disorder, making him a key figure in the emerging field of socially assistive robotics for ageing populations.