Human-Robot Interaction and Social AI

Program Overview

This specialization in Human-Robot Interaction and Social AI explores the connection between robots and humans, focusing on creating robots that interact effectively in social settings. Students develop expertise in robot and human cognition, and learn to design interfaces and algorithms for natural interaction. Graduates become specialists in human-robot interaction and can pursue careers as robot-human interface designers, researchers, or algorithm developers.

Program Outline

Outline:

• The Human-Robot Interaction and Social AI specialization focuses on the connection between robots and humans, and what it takes to create robots that interact with people effectively.
• The specialization centers on how a robotic system fits in with people in social settings in terms of communication, movement, acceptance, and trust.
• Students learn to answer questions such as:
• How do robotic systems interact with humans?
• How do humans respond to robots?
• What makes these interactions effective, natural, and of real added value to people and organizations?
• Students develop expertise in robot cognition and/or human cognition and become proficient in developing human-robot interaction algorithms.
• They may also apply their knowledge in the context of how robots interact with people in roles such as butlers, assistants, or customer service providers.
• The master's thesis project often addresses topics such as:
• The design of interfaces for natural interaction, such as avatars
• Enabling robots to interpret human gestures and speech and react appropriately

Careers:

• Graduates with a specialization in Human-Robot Interaction and Social AI become specialists in robot cognition and/or human cognition and in developing human-robot interaction algorithms.
• They can use their knowledge in the broader context of how robots interact with people.
• Career options include:
• Robot-human interface designer
• Researcher in human-robot interaction
• Developer of human-robot interaction algorithms