Maja matarić is the Chan Soon-shiong Chair and Distinguished Professor of Computer Science, with appointments in Neuroscience, and Pediatrics at the University of Southern California (USC), and a Principal Scientist at Google DeepMind. She has led many efforts in K-12 STEM outreach,including founding and leading the USC Viterbi K-12 STEM Center.
One of her Interaction lab’s more recent projects is a grant from the NIH that will test the use of socially assistive robots to address student anxiety by conducting a randomized controlled trial here at USC.This project is exemplary of her lab in that the students she has mentored “pass it on” and are focused on employing robots to help others.
Her work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including a Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering mentoring from President Barack Obama, and in 2023, was elected into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Revolutionizing Robotics: An Interview with maja Matarić
Table of Contents
- Revolutionizing Robotics: An Interview with maja Matarić
- Q: Can you tell us about your journey into the field of socially assistive robotics?
- Q: How has your work in socially assistive robotics evolved over the years?
- Q: could you elaborate on your recent project funded by the NIH?
- Q: How have the students you’ve mentored contributed to your work?
- Q: Your work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. How does that feel?
- Q: What does the future hold for socially assistive robotics?
- Conclusion
In this insightful interview, we sit down with renowned roboticist and educator, Maja matarić, to discuss her pioneering work in socially assistive robotics. Her groundbreaking research focuses on developing personalized human-robot interaction methods for behavior change aimed at health,wellness,rehabilitation,training,and education.
A: My journey began almost three decades ago.I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of technology and human interaction. Socially assistive robotics allows us to create engaging, trustworthy machines that can support individuals in various aspects of their lives, from health and wellness to education and rehabilitation.
A: Over the years,my work has evolved to focus more on the practical applications of socially assistive robotics. We’ve moved beyond just the technical aspects and are now deeply involved in understanding how robots can effectively interact with humans to promote positive behavior change. This includes everything from reducing student anxiety to aiding in physical rehabilitation.
Q: could you elaborate on your recent project funded by the NIH?
A: Certainly. This project aims to use socially assistive robots to address student anxiety. We’re conducting a randomized controlled trial here at USC to test the effectiveness of these robots in creating a supportive and calming surroundings for students. It’s a great example of how our lab’s work can have a tangible impact on people’s lives.
Q: How have the students you’ve mentored contributed to your work?
A: The students I’ve mentored have been invaluable. They’ve not only continued the work but also brought fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Many of them are now focused on using robots to help others, which is incredibly rewarding to see.
Q: Your work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. How does that feel?
A: It’s truly an honor. Recognition from the scientific community and institutions like the American Academy of Arts and sciences is a testament to the impact our work can have. It motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in socially assistive robotics.
A: The future is incredibly exciting. We’re on the cusp of seeing socially assistive robots become more integrated into our daily lives, from healthcare to education. The key will be to ensure these robots are not only effective but also trusted and accepted by the people they’re designed to help.
Conclusion
Maja Matarić has spent almost three decades pioneering the field of socially assistive robotics, making notable contributions to robotics as a whole.Her work focuses on creating engaging, trustworthy machines that can help individuals with specific health, education, and rehabilitation needs. Through her mentorship and innovative projects, she continues to revolutionize the field and inspire the next generation of roboticists.
