The Robot Whisperer.

Making robots better humans

Background

I am a multidisciplinary scholar + artist working at the emerging intersection of social robotics and performance. I humanize the behavior of social robots to create trust and engagement between AI and humans. Empathy, social awareness, and communication are key to connections with robots. My theatre background provides me with the emotional expertise to ensure a positive human-robot relationship. I am a collaborator and team leader in academic, industry, and healthcare areas.

Associate Professor Social Robotics and Performance

PhD, Humanities

MFA, Media Arts

BFA, Drama

“The idea is not to replace humans, but to fill a gap.”

“Using performance and theatre to design robots and create bonds of trust and emotion with humans.”

“Working through the complexities of COVID-19, it is clear that social robots - immune to pathogens – may be able to connect arts and humanities-driven content to humans at a time when human contact is not possible. And in doing so, help reduce the stress of social isolation.”