Experts on human-computer interaction

As robots play ever increasing roles in many sectors of the economy, from manufacturing to healthcare, and in many aspects of everyday life, the need to understand how people and robots can coexist and collaborate productively and safely grows apace. WPI experts on human-robot interaction approach this need in a variety of research projects. These include work on the marriage of sophisticated algorithms, medical imaging, and the expertise of doctors in the guidance of surgical robots; the role of human experts in controlling nursing robots; and innovative was for people to control the actions of robots, including an electronic glove and a cap that monitors brain waves.

Emmanuel O. Agu
  • Professor Computer Science
Professor Agu's research interests are in the areas of computer graphics, mobile computing, and wireless networks. He is especially interested in research into how to use a smartphone as a platform to deliver better healthcare. ... View Profile
Scott D Barton
  • Associate Professor Humanities & Arts
Professor Barton composes and performs electro acoustic music, designs and builds robots, and conducts psychological research. ... View Profile
Robert Dempski
Robert E. Dempski
  • Professor Chemistry & Biochemistry
Professor Dempski's lab focuses on biomedically relevant proteins at the cell's surface. Dysfunction of these proteins results in diseases such as pancreatic cancer and Alzheimer's. ... View Profile
Gregory S. Fischer
  • Professor Robotics Engineering
Professor Fischer develops surgical robotics, including MRI-compatible robotic devices for enhancing cancer diagnosis, add intelligent automation to telesurgery, and develop assistive robotics, including socially assistive robots and wearable physically ... View Profile
Headshot of Lane Harrison
Lane T. Harrison
  • Associate Professor Computer Science
Professor Harrison's research quantifies and models how people interpret, use, and create data visualizations. ... View Profile
Neil Heffernan
  • Professor Computer Science
Professor Heffernan researches how smarter technologies can help K-12 classrooms use technology more effectively and optimize student learning. ... View Profile
Elke A. Rundensteiner
  • Professor, Computer Science, Program Head, Data Science Computer Science
Professor Rundensteiner's research focuses on how to make use of data and information in an effective manner, towards achieving goals in business, scientific discovery, and digital health. ... View Profile
Jeanine LM Skorinko
  • Professor Social Science & Policy Studies
Professor Skorinko investigates social factors that influence our attitudes, decisions, and interactions. This includes factors such as stigmas, stereotypes, culture, and perspective taking. ... View Profile
Gillian Smith
  • Associate Professor Computer Science
Professor Smith is an award-winning game designer. ... View Profile
Erin Solovey
  • Associate Professor Computer Science
Much of Professor Solovey's work explores effective human interaction with complex and autonomous systems and vehicles. ... View Profile
Bengisu Tulu
  • Professor The Business School
Professor Tulu's work focuses on implementing health information technologies in health systems, and developing patient-provider facing digital health solutions, including mobile apps that facilitate shared decision making, patient engagement and improv ... View Profile
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Haichong Zhang
  • Associate Professor Robotics Engineering
Professor Zhang is the founding director of the Medical Frontier Ultrasound Imaging and Robotic Instrumentation (Medical FUSION) Laboratory. ... View Profile