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About

Devasena Pasupuleti is an emerging researcher whose work sits at the intersection of social robotics, child-computer interaction, and behavior change technology. Best known for developing **HaKsh-E**, a minimalist social robot designed to promote positive behaviors in children, Pasupuleti has pioneered participatory co-design approaches that place children at the center of robotic embodiment decisions — a methodologically thoughtful approach that distinguishes her work in the field. Her most-cited contribution (8 citations) introduces HaKsh-E as an AI-integrated platform combining audio-visual perception with expressive design, while subsequent work extends this platform to tackle real-world public health challenges, particularly hand hygiene promotion among children in India during the COVID-19 era. Her handwashing action detection system (4 citations) demonstrates a practical application of autonomous social agents in health education contexts. Beyond health behavior, Pasupuleti's research explores child-robot interaction across individual and group settings, mobile robot locomotion platforms using omni-wheel systems, and most recently, how gameplay with social robots can enhance children's self-esteem and peer relationships. With a growing body of work accumulating over 26 citations, she represents a promising voice in socially assistive robotics research with meaningful real-world applications for child development and wellbeing.