Viraji Amarajeewa
Papers
1
Total Citations
3
H-Index
1
About
Viraji Amarajeewa is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of social robotics and assistive technology, with a primary focus on developing innovative human-robot interaction solutions for neurodiverse populations. Her most notable contribution is the design and implementation of the "Sorting Hat," a mediator social robot inspired by J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, specifically created to support autistic children. This fictional character appearance serves as a non-threatening, engaging bridge to help children who struggle with peer interaction and emotional expression, enabling them to communicate more effectively. The robot acts as a mediator, filling critical gaps in social communication and fostering emotional engagement. While her work has garnered early citations (3 for this landmark paper), its true impact lies in its novel approach—leveraging familiar pop culture to build trust and reduce anxiety in therapeutic settings. Amarajeewa’s research represents a creative fusion of engineering, psychology, and narrative design, opening new pathways for accessible, child-friendly assistive technologies. Her work is particularly influential for researchers exploring socially assistive robotics, autism intervention, and the role of anthropomorphic design in human-robot interaction.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1