Sara Baber
Papers
1
Total Citations
14
H-Index
1
About
Sara Baber’s research lies at the intersection of socially assistive robotics and therapeutic interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Her most-cited work, “Interactive Therapy Approach Through Collaborative Physical Play Between a Socially Assistive Humanoid Robot and Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder” (2016, 14 citations), pioneers a novel framework that leverages humanoid robots—such as NAO—to facilitate collaborative physical play. This approach moves beyond passive interaction, actively engaging children in turn-taking, imitation, and joint attention exercises designed to improve social communication and motor skills. Baber’s contribution is significant for demonstrating how robots can serve as predictable, non-judgmental partners that reduce anxiety and encourage spontaneous interaction in therapeutic settings. Although her citation count is modest, the work is notable for its early integration of embodied, physical play into robot-assisted therapy—a concept that has since influenced subsequent studies on human-robot interaction for special needs populations. Her research underscores the potential of technology to create inclusive, engaging environments that complement traditional behavioral therapies, making her a thoughtful voice in the growing field of socially assistive robotics.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1