Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Massimiliano Raciti is a leading researcher in socially assistive robotics for dementia care, with a focus on developing companion robots that combat isolation and loneliness in people living with dementia (PLWD). His most significant contributions come from the EU-funded MARIO project, where he led validation studies demonstrating that social robots can improve quality of life, reduce depression, and enhance perceived social support in residential care settings. His 2019 paper on the MARIO project’s validation has garnered 77 citations, while a companion quantitative study has 63 citations, underscoring the impact of his work. Raciti’s research uniquely explores robot embodiment, showing that a physical robot is more effective than a laptop-based interface for engaging PLWD. He has also extended MARIO’s validation from nursing homes to hospital settings, broadening the evidence base for robotic interventions. Through these studies, Raciti has established himself as a key figure in human-robot interaction for aging populations, providing rigorous evidence that social robots can meaningfully enhance the lives of individuals with dementia.