Maria Di Maro

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About

Maria Di Maro is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction (HRI), specializing in the design of socially intelligent robotic systems for service environments. Her work centers on developing autonomous robots capable of sustained, personalized engagement, with a particular focus on overcoming the "novelty effect" that often limits user interest in robotic companions. Di Maro’s most significant contribution is the BRILLO project, a robotic bartending architecture that integrates task execution with adaptive social interaction. Her foundational paper on this system (2021, 11 citations) established a framework for long-lasting, personalized HRI in commercial settings. She also spearheaded the SUGAR task at EVALITA 2018 (10 citations), creating a benchmark for voice-controlled robotic cooking assistants using authentic spoken data. This work has been instrumental in advancing natural language understanding for robotic agents. More recently, her 2025 BRILLO update (3 citations) continues to refine personalized interaction strategies. With a growing citation impact, Di Maro’s research bridges the gap between functional robotics and genuine social connection, offering a blueprint for robots that remain engaging beyond the initial encounter.