Maja Mataric
Location: (Los Angeles, CA)
Personal Research Web Page: http://robotics.usc.edu/~maja
Keywords: socially assistive robotics, social robots, human-robot interaction, human activity modeling, health robotics, robotics for kids with autism, robot-assisted stroke rehabilitation, robotics for the elderly, robotics for improved quality of life
Posted on: Monday, June 8th, 2009
Broad Research Area: AI / Machine Learning / Robotics / Vision
Research Interests:
The research at the USC Interaction Lab, part of the USC Robotics Lab and the USC Center for Robotics and Embedded Systems is focused on socially assistive robotics: developing methods and algorithms that enable robots to aid users through social non-physical interaction. We are inspired by the dual goals of 1) gaining novel insights into human behavior and cognition through human-machine interaction and 2) developing robotic systems capable of providing personalized assistance in convalescence, rehabilitation, training, and education. Our research addresses challenges of embodiment, activity and social monitoring, human-robot interaction, and user adaptation. We are developing technology-assisted intervention methods that use intelligent human-robot interaction (HRI), control, and learning in complex, dynamic, and uncertain environments by integrating multi-modal perception, communication, and interaction with users. To address the inherently multidisciplinary challenges of this research area, our work draws on theories, models, and collaborations from neuroscience, cognitive science, social science, health sciences, and education. We validate our approaches with user groups of stroke patients, children with autism spectrum disorders, and individual suffering from dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease.
