Adaptive Systems Research Group, University of Hertfordshire
The Adaptive Systems Research Group in Hertfordshire is a multidisciplinary group of faculty, students, and friends of the University of Hertfordshire who have a connection to research in Adaptive Systems and related areas. The group was founded and is co-organized by Professor Kerstin Dautenhahn and Professor Chrystopher Nehaniv. Other core faculty members of the group include Dr. René te Boekhorst, Dr. Lola Cañamero, and Dr. Daniel Polani. The group has a strong research profile in Artificial Life (AL), Socially Intelligent Agents, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Professor Kerstin Dautenhahn
Kerstin Dautenhahn has a background in Biology, Artificial Intelligence and Behaviour-Based Robotics. Her current research focuses on Robot-Human Interaction and Social Robotics. She has pioneered research in robot social learning and imitation, and the study of robots in autism therapy. Her group is currently involved in several European projects, including two robotics Integrated Projects (Robotcub and Cogniron).
Dr Ben Robins
Ben Robins' research interests include Human Computer interaction (HCI) and Human Robot Interaction (HRI) with specific interest in the application of robotic systems in rehabilitation, therapy and education, this forms part of the Aurora Project and investigates the potential use of robots as therapeutic or educational 'toys' specifically for use by children with autism.
Dr Kheng Lee Koay
Kheng Lee's research interests include Mobile Robotics, Human Robotic Interaction (HRI) and Social Robotics. He is currently engaged in the research area of human-centred social behaviour for robots, investigating the issues of robot intentionality, initiative, socially acceptable interaction (e.g. social spaces) and evaluation methodologies for HRI trials. This research aims to develop a robot capable of behaving as a 'companion' for humans in daily life. Such a robot would make itself 'useful' by being able to carry out a variety of tasks to assist humans in a domestic environment and would possess social skills allowing it to interact with humans in a socially acceptable manner. It would take into consideration the likes, dislikes and preferences of an individual human and adapt its behaviour accordingly.