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About

Roger Bemelmans is a pioneering researcher in the field of socially assistive robotics, with a particular focus on the application of robotic technologies in elderly and psychogeriatric care. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of how social robots can enhance the quality of life for older adults, especially those living with dementia. Bemelmans is perhaps best known for his influential 2010 systematic review on socially assistive robots in elderly care, which has garnered an impressive 577 citations and remains a foundational reference in the field. This work, alongside subsequent research, rigorously examined the effects and effectiveness of robot-assisted interventions in care settings. His extensive investigations into the therapeutic seal robot PARO — including a notable multicenter quasi-experimental study cited 147 times — provided critical evidence for the robot's effectiveness in intramural psychogeriatric care. Beyond evaluating outcomes, Bemelmans has made practical contributions by developing structured frameworks for implementing robot interventions in Dutch care facilities, bridging the gap between technological capability and real-world clinical application. His body of work collectively underscores that meaningful robot integration in care requires demonstrated value, thoughtful design, and contextual feasibility — insights that continue to shape policy and practice in assistive robotics globally.