Piyum Fernando

Singapore University of Technology and Design

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Piyum Fernando is a researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and educational technology, with a primary focus on developing accessible robotic platforms to foster STEM engagement among children. His most cited work, "SiFEB -- A Simple, Interactive and Extensible Robot Playmate for Kids" (2014), introduces a low-cost, open-source robotic companion designed to make science and engineering concepts tangible through play. By emphasizing simplicity and extensibility in both hardware and software, Fernando’s contributions lower barriers for young learners and educators to experiment with robotics, directly addressing the need for inclusive, hands-on STEM tools. While his citation count (5) reflects a niche but impactful audience, the SiFEB project stands out for its practical design philosophy—prioritizing user-friendly interaction over complexity. This work has been recognized for its potential to reshape early STEM education by blending play with learning, and it continues to inspire subsequent research in child-robot interaction. Fernando’s approach underscores a commitment to democratizing technology, making him a notable voice in the push for accessible, engaging educational robotics.