I am interested in how digital technologies influence the social, emotional and cognitive development of both typicallly and atypically developing [e.g. autistic] children and adults; and also using developmental theories to inform cognitive, social and developmental robotics, for example theory of mind in understanding Trust in Human-Robot Interaction, and executives functions in assistive technologies.

My work is in understanding the human in the ‘human-in-the-loop’, and what that means for both people and machines, e.g. trust in these systems; in order to develop and evaluate technologies: from advancing inclusivity for people with developmental conditions, to rehabilitating and supporting everyday tasks for poeple with executive problems (e.g. from brain injury).

I graduated with undergraduate and masters degrees in Psychology from the University of Birmingham, followed by a PhD in Developmental Psychology at the University of Nottingham. I was an ESRC Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham, before becoming a Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, and then a Lecturer and Senior Lecturer at the University of Strathclyde. I joined Heriot-Watt University in 20212 as a Reader before being promoted to Professor.

The Developmental Psychology in Action Lab is based in the Department of Psychology,  School of Social Sciences (SoSS) at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. We research, develop and evaluate digital technologies for people, especially children and people with developmental conditions.

We are members of the Edinburgh Centre for Robotics and the Safe and Secure AI for Robotics and Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) themes at the The National Robotarium – and colloborate with partners in Digital Education and Robotics and other autonomous systems.

Our theoretical heart is psychological, notably developmental theory of both typical and atypical development, which we use to inform all our work. Our focus is across many disciplines from STE(A)M (science, technology, engineering [Arts] and maths) to sport science and outdoor education. We are advocates of reproducibility through the Open Science Framework.

Most recent (a full list can be found here):

Rajendran, G. (January, 2026). Why failure is necessary ingredient for success – especially in the era of AI. The Conversation.

Rajendran, G. BBC Teach’s Live Lessons (6th February, 2024). Safer Internet Day. (5 mins in)

Rajendran, G., (September 7, 2023). Unlocking the full potential of robotics. The Scotsman's quarterly data supplement.

Rajendran, G.  (April 27, 2023). We need to discuss what jobs robots should do, before the decision is made for us. The Conversation.

STV Scotland Tonight. 20th April, 2023.  Artificial Intelligence is transforming our world at a rapid rate. This has generated great excitement about the benefits that advanced technology can deliver for people and businesses.

TECH A BREAK Why spending hours on housework could become a thing of the past within 10 years. The Sun. 27th February, 2023.

UK plays catch-up with artificial intelligence and robotics. China Global Television Network, 13 November, 2022.

What does Scottish Society Need from Robots. Data Capital by The Scotsman. 22 August 2022.

The Psychology of Trust. Living With AI Podcast: Challenges of Living with Artificial Intelligence. 16 June 2022.

Rajendran, G., (2022). Aye Robot: Scots are helping to mould the next generation of robot helpers. The Herald. 3rd April 2022.

Rajendran. G. (2022). Digital humans: what technology reveals about our cognition, emotions and behaviour. (available on YouTube) 30th March, 2022.