Can socially assistive robots be part of the solution to the growing healthcare problem? During her talk, Dr. Maja Mataric demonstrates how these non-contact robots can serve as coaches, motivators, and companions for a variety of populations with special needs, including the elderly, stroke patients, children with autism spectrum disorders, and many others.
Dr. Mataric is Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Research Computer Science at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Her research has lead to the creation of robots with the potential to deliver personalized and engaging care through one-on-one dedicated interaction. Along the way, these human-robot studies have been teaching her fascinating insights about personality, mood, and the art of persuasion.
