Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Shivani Sharma is a leading researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and developmental robotics, with a primary focus on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) interventions. Her work has fundamentally advanced our understanding of how social robots can support children and young people on the autism spectrum. Her landmark 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis, cited over 119 times, provides the most comprehensive synthesis of robot-mediated interventions to date, establishing key features and efficacy benchmarks for the field. Sharma also led the feasibility study for the Kaspar humanoid robot randomised controlled trial (RCT), a pioneering protocol that addresses the critical lack of rigorous RCTs in robot-assisted therapy for social skills development. Her recent 2024 work shifts focus to stakeholder perspectives, exploring parents’ and carers’ knowledge and preferences regarding technology devices—including smartphones and tablets—as support tools for autistic children. This patient-centred approach ensures that technological innovations align with real-world needs. With a growing citation impact and a commitment to evidence-based, inclusive research, Sharma is shaping the future of assistive robotics and digital interventions for neurodiverse populations.