Marije Willemsen

Papers

Total Citations

105

H-Index

About

Dr. Marije Willemsen is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of assistive robotics and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) interventions. Her work centers on developing human-robot interaction frameworks that translate established therapeutic methods into engaging, technology-mediated experiences for children with ASD. Her most influential contribution, the 2014 study on “Long‐term LEGO therapy with humanoid robot for children with ASD,” has garnered 105 citations, establishing a foundational approach for integrating social robots into structured play therapy. Willemsen’s major achievement lies in her co-design methodology, which bridges the gap between clinical expertise and robotic engineering. By adapting LEGO therapy—a proven collaborative play intervention—for a humanoid robot platform, she demonstrated that robots can effectively facilitate social skill development in children over extended periods. This work not only validated the potential of long-term robot-assisted therapy but also provided a replicable framework for content creation in human-robot interaction. Willemsen’s research remains highly influential for scholars in assistive robotics, human-computer interaction, and pediatric therapy, offering a compelling model for how technology can augment, rather than replace, evidence-based therapeutic practices.