Ruth Caldeira de Melo

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Ruth Caldeira de Melo is a researcher whose work sits at the intersection of social robotics, gerontechnology, and mental health, with a particular focus on improving the wellbeing of older adult populations. Her scholarship addresses one of the most pressing challenges in aging societies: the early detection and management of depression among the elderly. In her widely recognized 2021 scoping review, which has accumulated 24 citations, she systematically examined the evidence surrounding social robots as therapeutic tools for older adults with depressive symptoms, situating this inquiry within the broader framework of smart cities and age-sensitive healthcare environments. This work critically analyzed intervention protocols, contextual factors, and age-related depression specificities, offering a comprehensive roadmap for future research and clinical application. Building on this foundation, her 2024 pilot study pushed the boundaries further by exploring social robots as active screening instruments for depression — a novel and clinically significant application. Melo's contributions are notable for bridging technological innovation with human-centered care, making her an influential voice in the growing field of robot-assisted geriatric healthcare and a valuable reference for researchers and clinicians working at the crossroads of AI, robotics, and elder care.