Praveen Pankajakshan

University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Praveen Pankajakshan is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of social robotics, child–robot interaction, and public health. His work focuses on designing autonomous social agents that promote essential hygiene behaviors among young children, particularly in the context of India. His most notable contribution is the co-design and embodiment of a minimalist social robot that encourages proper handwashing practices among children, a timely innovation highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Complementing this, he developed a handwashing action detection system that enables a robot to observe and provide real-time feedback, turning a routine task into an engaging, habit-forming experience. With over 10 citations across his core papers, Pankajakshan’s research demonstrates both technical rigor and real-world relevance. His work not only advances the field of socially assistive robotics but also addresses a critical public health challenge: reducing disease transmission through improved childhood hygiene. By blending human-centered design with autonomous systems, Pankajakshan is shaping a future where robots serve as effective, non-intrusive health educators in everyday settings.