Katherine De la Cruz

Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Katherine De la Cruz is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of robotics, human-computer interaction, and mental health care. Her work explores how bio-inspired robotic systems can serve as therapeutic tools, with a particular focus on designing empathetic, non-humanoid agents for emotional support. De la Cruz’s most notable contribution is the development of "PlantiBot," a robotic plant concept introduced in her 2025 paper that reimagines traditional plant care as a reciprocal, interactive experience to reduce anxiety and loneliness. While still early in its citation impact, this work has already sparked interest in the growing field of "robotic horticulture" for mental wellness. Her research challenges conventional assistive robotics by prioritizing subtle, organic interactions over human-like features, making her a rising voice in accessible, low-barrier mental health technologies. De la Cruz’s innovative approach—merging biomimicry with affective computing—positions her at the forefront of designing compassionate, everyday robots that nurture human well-being through gentle, plant-inspired companionship.