Research Field

Human-Robot Interaction

The HRI (Human-Robot Interaction) group studies interaction design that enables humans and robots, or humans and intelligent systems, to communicate and collaborate safely and naturally. The research topics include the design of communication systems between humans and robots, the robot-based understanding of human psychological states, and educational support through care-training robots. Through these studies, the group investigates which motions, facial expressions, and responses allow people to intuitively understand robot or system behavior and accept it with confidence. The research also focuses on situations where humans and machines interact at close range, such as medical settings, nursing care, and public facilities. In these contexts, physical safety alone is not sufficient. Psychological comfort and trust are also essential for smooth interaction. By considering both technical performance and human perception, the group aims to develop human-centered systems that can support people safely and naturally in real environments.