Deborah Bubela
Papers
1
Total Citations
38
H-Index
1
About
Deborah Bubela’s research sits at the intersection of pediatric rehabilitation, motor development, and human-robot interaction, with a focus on how technology can enhance therapeutic outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Her most cited work, a 2013 preliminary study, pioneered the use of reciprocal imitation games between a robot and a child to improve whole-body movement and praxis skills. In this landmark study, involving 15 typically developing children and one child with autism across eight sessions, Bubela demonstrated that robot-child interactions could uniquely engage children in motor learning—a finding that has garnered 38 citations and laid groundwork for assistive robotics in pediatric therapy. Her contributions extend to understanding how interactive technologies can scaffold imitation and social engagement, particularly for children on the autism spectrum. By bridging robotics, occupational therapy, and developmental science, Bubela has opened new pathways for using embodied agents to address motor and social challenges. Her work remains influential among researchers exploring technology-mediated interventions, offering a compelling model for how robots can serve as both tools and partners in child development.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1