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About

Roberto Mancin is a researcher at the forefront of Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), specializing in the therapeutic applications of social robotics. His work centers on two key areas: the use of humanoid robots as non-pharmacological interventions for children, and the critical examination of autonomy and ethical challenges in robot-assisted therapy (RAT). Mancin’s most cited study, “A preliminary investigation of using humanoid social robots as non-pharmacological techniques with children” (2019, 13 citations), provides foundational observational evidence that social robots can effectively reduce patient distress through voice, gestures, and animations, offering a novel alternative to medication. This contribution is particularly significant for pediatric care, where minimizing pharmacological intervention is paramount. Additionally, his co-edited “Proceedings of the Workshop on Social Robots in Therapy: Focusing on Autonomy and Ethical Challenges” (2018) addresses the pressing need for responsible design in RAT, exploring how robots can engage users emotionally while maintaining ethical boundaries. Though his citation counts are modest, Mancin’s work is pioneering in its integration of practical therapy with ethical foresight, positioning him as a thoughtful voice in the global dialogue on socially assistive robotics.