Saiful Bahari

Papers

Total Citations

142

H-Index

About

Saiful Bahari is a leading researcher in humanoid robotics, with a primary focus on the control, motion, and social applications of bipedal platforms. His work is perhaps best known for advancing the use of the NAO robot—a performant, affordable humanoid that has become a staple in labs worldwide. In his highly cited 2011 review (121 citations), Bahari provided a comprehensive exploration of NAO’s control systems and motion capabilities, establishing a foundational reference for engineers and researchers entering the field. Beyond technical mechanics, Bahari has pioneered the integration of humanoid robots into robotic assistive therapy. His innovative face detection technique, designed specifically for tracking children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (21 citations), represents a novel therapeutic approach. By enabling NAO to recognize and respond to subtle facial cues, Bahari’s work addresses the belief that autistic children may engage more positively with robots than with human therapists. This contribution bridges engineering and clinical psychology, opening new pathways for non-pharmacological intervention. Through his dual focus on robust bipedal control and compassionate human-robot interaction, Bahari continues to shape how humanoids can serve both technical exploration and societal well-being.