Maria-Cristina Ciocci

University College West Flanders, Ghent University

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Maria-Cristina Ciocci is a pioneer in democratizing social robotics through open-source, do-it-yourself platforms. Her research centers on accessible robot design, STEM education, and robot-assisted therapy, with a core mission to make robotics affordable and inclusive. She is best known for creating **Ono**, a low-cost, open-source social robot that can be built using DIY tools and techniques—a radical departure from expensive, proprietary systems. Her foundational paper, "Systems Overview of Ono" (2013), and its follow-up detailing the platform’s current status (2014), have together garnered over 15 citations, establishing Ono as a viable tool for large-scale studies and therapeutic applications. Ciocci’s most cited work, "Design and evaluation of a DIY construction system for educational robot kits" (2015, 33 citations), provides a practical framework for integrating robotics into classrooms. She further extends this impact through "Building ArtBots to Attract Students into STEM Learning" (2016), which creatively combines art and technology to engage underrepresented groups, particularly girls and underprivileged students. Her exploration of Ono in robot-assisted therapy (2013) hints at broader applications in healthcare. By championing open-source principles and DIY fabrication, Ciocci has lowered barriers to entry, empowering educators, researchers, and hobbyists worldwide to build, modify, and study social robots—a lasting contribution to both robotics and inclusive education.