Laureano Rodriguez Polo
Papers
1
Total Citations
3
H-Index
1
About
Laureano Rodriguez Polo is a pioneering figure at the intersection of robotics, religion, and cultural studies, whose work challenges conventional boundaries between the sacred and the profane. His primary research areas include human-robot interaction, the anthropology of technology, and the emerging field of religious robotics. Polo’s most notable contribution is the development of SanTO, recognized as the first Catholic robot—an animated statue resembling a saint designed for spiritual engagement. His subsequent work, SanTO-PL, extended this concept by placing the robot in exhibition settings, exploring how sacred artifacts can function within profane, public spaces. Although his citation count remains modest (3 citations for his landmark 2023 paper), the conceptual and cultural impact of his work is significant, sparking interdisciplinary dialogue on the role of robots in religious practice. Polo’s research has been featured in international media and academic conferences, positioning him as a key voice in debates about technology’s role in spirituality. His work invites scholars and students alike to reconsider what it means to encounter the divine through a machine.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1SanTO in exhibition – a sacred robot in the profane3 citations · 2023