Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Simona Leonardi is a leading researcher in neurorehabilitation, whose work sits at the intersection of cognitive science and advanced technology. Her primary focus is on developing and validating innovative, technology-driven interventions to improve functional recovery in patients with neurological impairments, particularly following stroke. Leonardi’s major contributions include pioneering research into computerized cognitive training and virtual reality (VR) as tools for cognitive remediation. Her landmark 2017 study, cited over 110 times, demonstrated the potential of computerized training to enhance cognitive function in stroke patients, while her highly influential work on the BTs-Nirvana VR system (101 citations) established a new paradigm for immersive, interactive rehabilitation. She has also explored the impact of robotic gait training on non-motor outcomes, such as mood and quality of life, broadening the scope of physical rehabilitation. More recently, Leonardi has extended her expertise to pediatric care, conducting a systematic review on parental involvement in robot-mediated therapy, a critical step toward translating these technologies into family-centered practice. Her work is characterized by rigorous pilot studies that lay the groundwork for larger clinical trials, positioning her as a key figure shaping the future of evidence-based, technology-augmented rehabilitation.