Purdue

At Purdue University, computer science professor Sooyeon Jeong is developing robots that will assist people in their day-to-day lives. She desires that not only should these robots understand and interact with humankind but interact with them naturally and with a warm touch.

Robots as Friendly Helpers

Jeong wants her robots to be assistive and warm, rather than terrifying. She wants to create artificial intelligence that is capable of reaching out to humankind and contributing positively.

“I’d like to design robots and artificial intelligence that assist and benefit people in a substantial sense,” Jeong said.

Independent Projects Benefiting Humans

These are a few of the instances through which Jeong’s robots are brightening lives:

Assisting Stroke Patients: The robots administer daily exercises to patients who have difficulty speaking after a stroke, answering a need when a speech therapist is not around.

Accompanying Cancer Survivors: Jeong’s researchers are developing virtual agents to help Latina women who have breast cancer learn more about a healthy lifestyle and emotional support.

Comforting Sick Children: She chose to design a teddy bear robot that comforts sick children in hospitals and acts as a friendly friend.

Robotics Education and Emotion Recognition Training

Jeong’s robots are learning to sense how a person is feeling by looking at what they are saying and reading their gestures. For example, robots could identify when a person is saying, “I’m fine,” but is actually upset.

“Robots have to listen and respond so that it shows that it understands,” Jeong said.

She also designs robots as cute and welcoming as possible, looking like toys so that it is easy to interact with humankind.

Robots for Everyday Tasks

Jeong imagines robots contributing to tasks related to education, therapy, or even staying organized. A robot study partner, for instance, might be able to urge students during stressful moments or help them concentrate when distracted. These robots should understand when and how to help people,” she explained.

Making a Difference in the Real World

Jeong collaborates with experts in healthcare and other sectors to ensure that her robots are addressing practical challenges in real life. “The concept is to design robots that help humankind in everyday life,” she said.

She demonstrates through her work that robots are capable of enhancing life via education collaborations, healthcare collaborations, and collaborations in emotional well-being.

By;
Vraj Parikh