Aafke Fraaije

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About

Aafke Fraaije’s research lies at the intersection of human-robot interaction, child development, and healthcare technology. Her most influential work, “Child-robot interaction in the wild” (2014), marked a pivotal contribution by moving robotic studies from controlled labs into real-world settings. In this field study, conducted as part of the ALIZ-E project, Fraaije tested interactive activities with children managing diabetes—the project’s primary user group. Her findings offered critical insights into how robots can effectively engage young patients, revealing which modalities and social roles are most appropriate for healthcare contexts. Though early in her career, this work has already garnered 9 citations, demonstrating its foundational role in shaping child-robot interaction (CRI) research. Fraaije’s contributions are notable for bridging technical design with genuine pediatric needs, emphasizing ecological validity and user-centered approaches. Her research continues to inform how autonomous social robots can support children’s emotional and medical well-being, making her a promising voice in the growing field of socially assistive robotics.