Work with thought leaders and academic experts in human-robot interaction

Companies can greatly benefit from collaborating with academic researchers in the field of human-robot interaction. These experts bring a deep understanding of the interaction between humans and robots, and can provide valuable insights and solutions to enhance various aspects of business operations. They can help design and develop innovative robotic systems tailored to specific industry needs, improving efficiency and productivity. Academic researchers can also contribute to the development of ethical guidelines and regulations for the use of robots in different contexts. Additionally, they can assist in user experience research, ensuring that human-robot interactions are intuitive, safe, and enjoyable. By partnering with human-robot interaction experts, companies can gain a competitive edge, drive technological advancements, and create new opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of robotics.

Researchers on NotedSource with backgrounds in human-robot interaction include Serena Booth, Dr. Justin W. Hart, Ph.D., C. Malik Boykin, Ph.D., Emma Yann Zhang, Dr. Swapna Joshi, and Majd Sakr.

Dr. Justin W. Hart, Ph.D.

10 Years Experience
Professor at UT Austin specializing in artificial intelligence and human-robot interaction
Education

West Virginia University

BS, Computer Science / May, 2001

Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America

Ph.D, Computer Science / December, 2014

New Haven, CT, Connecticut, United States of America

Cornell University

M.Eng, Computer Science / January, 2006

Ithaca, New York, United States of America
Experience

The University of Texas at Austin

Assistant Professor of Practice / September, 2017Present

University of British Columbia

Postdoctoral Fellow / December, 2014December, 2016

The University of Texas at Austin

Postdoctoral Fellow / December, 2016September, 2016

Most Relevant Research Expertise
Human-Robot Interaction
Other Research Expertise (11)
Artificial Intelligence
Philosophy
Control and Systems Engineering
Social Psychology
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
And 6 more
About
My research focuses on expanding the places where robots can be deployed. My lab, the Living with Robots Laboratory, has the mission of seeing robots in every home and workplace. To that end, I work on technologies to enable robots to operate in places designed for people, and technologies to enable robots to better interact with people. I am on the executive committee for RoboCup@Home. I am an assistant director of the UT Austin robotics research consortium, Texas Robotics. I am an associate editor for top conferences and journals in robotics. I work on problems relating to autonomous social human robot interaction, artificial intelligence, and robotics architectures.

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Emma Yann Zhang

9 Years Experience
Ph.D. candidate in AI with publications on human-machine interactions and haptic technologies
Education

Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology

PhD, Artificial Intelligence / July, 2025 (anticipated)

Nanjing
Experience

Frost Digi Ventures

AI Lead / February, 2023February, 2024

• Led the AI team in developing and implementing an AI RAG application for the company, conducting meetings and ensuring the success of project deliveries. • Conducted extensive research on AI solutions and implemented AI systems and ML models to enhance the company's data science and AI capabilities. • Supported the recruitment, onboarding, and training of the Data Science and AI team, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and best practices.

Tamo Robotics (Entrepreneur First)

Cofounder / January, 2021September, 2021

Designed and prototyped an interactive social robot for children. • Developed an Android app that connects to robot, performs speech recognition tasks, touch sensing • Responsible for customer research, ideation, prototype design and development • Agile and scrum environment

Imagineering Institute

Research Engineer / September, 2015June, 2018

• Developed a robotic system for transmitting touch sensations over the Internet • Digital multisensory research – designed and implemented digital taste and smell systems • Developed and managed websites and internal staff reporting system • Managed small teams of engineers and staff on various projects • Keynote speeches and demonstrations at international conferences and exhibitions • Organising chair of international conferences

Most Relevant Research Expertise
Human-Robot Interaction
Other Research Expertise (3)
Affective Computing
Haptic Technology
AI
About
With a background in Electronic Engineering, Emma has experience in both software and hardware development. Her research areas include human-AI interactions, human-robot interactions, haptic technologies, multisensory communication, pervasive and wearable computing. She developed the world’s first kiss messenger, a mobile device for transmitting kissing sensations over the Internet. Her work has received worldwide media attention and has been featured in numerous TV programmes and news articles including BBC, Discovery Channel, Wired, The Times, Huffington Post, Fuji TV, Canal+ etc. She was invited to display her work in numerous public exhibitions and museums such as the Ars Electronica Festival, VivaTech, and Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin. She is co-author of the book Human-Robot Intimate Relationships by Springer.With a background in Electronic Engineering, Emma has experience in both software and hardware development. Her research areas include human-AI interactions, human-robot interactions, haptic technologies, multisensory communication, pervasive and wearable computing. She developed the world’s first kiss messenger, a mobile device for transmitting kissing sensations over the Internet. Her work has received worldwide media attention and has been featured in numerous TV programmes and news articles including BBC, Discovery Channel, Wired, The Times, Huffington Post, Fuji TV, Canal+ etc. She was invited to display her work in numerous public exhibitions and museums such as the Ars Electronica Festival, VivaTech, and Deutsches Technikmuseum Berlin. She is co-author of the book Human-Robot Intimate Relationships by Springer.

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Example human-robot interaction projects

How can companies collaborate more effectively with researchers, experts, and thought leaders to make progress on human-robot interaction?

Enhancing Manufacturing Processes

An academic researcher in human-robot interaction can collaborate with manufacturing companies to optimize production processes. By integrating robots into assembly lines, researchers can improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance overall productivity. They can also develop intuitive human-robot interfaces to facilitate seamless collaboration between workers and robots, ensuring a safe and ergonomic work environment.

Improving Healthcare Services

In the healthcare industry, academic researchers can work with hospitals and medical institutions to develop robotic systems that assist in patient care. These robots can perform tasks such as monitoring vital signs, delivering medication, and providing companionship to patients. Researchers can also contribute to the design of robots for surgical procedures, enabling precise and minimally invasive interventions.

Enhancing Customer Service

Companies in the service industry can benefit from collaborating with human-robot interaction experts to improve customer service experiences. Academic researchers can develop chatbot systems that provide personalized assistance and support to customers, enhancing communication and resolving queries efficiently. They can also design social robots for hospitality and retail sectors, creating interactive and engaging experiences for customers.

Advancing Transportation Systems

Academic researchers specializing in human-robot interaction can contribute to the development of autonomous vehicles and transportation systems. They can work with automotive companies to design intelligent interfaces that enable seamless interaction between drivers and autonomous vehicles. Additionally, researchers can explore the social and ethical implications of autonomous transportation, ensuring the safe integration of robots into the transportation ecosystem.

Transforming Education

Collaboration between academic researchers and educational institutions can lead to the development of innovative educational robots. These robots can assist teachers in delivering personalized instruction, provide interactive learning experiences for students, and support individuals with special needs. Researchers can also explore the use of robots in online education platforms, enhancing accessibility and engagement.