Laura Diana Cosio

Papers

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About

Laura Diana Cosio is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction and participatory design, with a focus on companion robots for real-world, "in the wild" applications. Her work reimagines how autonomous social robots can move beyond controlled labs to become meaningful synthetic companions in domains like well-being, education, guidance, and entertainment. Cosio’s most cited paper, "Co-Designing Companion Robots for the Wild: Ideating Towards a Design Space" (2025, 5 citations), establishes a foundational design space for co-creating these robots with end-users, emphasizing ethical, contextual, and collaborative approaches. This contribution is particularly notable for bridging technical robotics with community-driven design, ensuring that companion robots are not just functional but socially integrated and responsive to human needs. By championing co-design methodologies, Cosio empowers diverse stakeholders—from children to the elderly—to shape technology that fosters genuine companionship. Her early impact, reflected in citations and growing recognition, positions her as a rising voice in shaping the future of socially intelligent robotics. For students and researchers, Cosio’s work offers a compelling blueprint for designing technology that truly belongs in the wild, with people at its heart.