From voice-activated household assistants to cutting-edge tools for the workplace and beyond, robotics is asserting a growing prominence in our daily lives. As we continue to find new ways to integrate robots into different environments, questions arise about how to make robots useful and understandable within ethical constraints. At Tufts University’s Human-Robot Interaction Lab (HRILab), a hub for groundbreaking research, researchers work to understand how robots can ethically and effectively meet the demands of task-based interactions.
HRILab develops AI algorithms that help robots understand language, learn from instructions, make decisions, plan, and perform tasks in unpredictable environments. The team starts with basic ethical principles like “don’t kill, don’t steal, be polite.” Next, they tailor the robots to specific cultures and circumstances to ensure the robot’s behavior aligns with societal norms.
While AI can manage some situations by analyzing patterns and trends to make predictions, it isn’t always foolproof. When applied in unpredictable scenarios, its predictions can be flawed. For this reason, it is essential to have safeguards for robots and AI.
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Inside Tufts’ Human-Robot Interaction Lab
Tufts’ HRILab explores how robots can better understand and work alongside humans. How can robots learn from human interactions? Can robots “think” ethically? Can robots and humans build trust and communicate effectively? The team tackles these questions within the frameworks of robotics, artificial intelligence, and the psychology of human-robot interaction. HRILab research spans areas like cognitive and developmental robotics, robot ethics, human-robot teaming, interactive task learning, and public space robotics.
HRILab’s projects combine technical work with consideration of logistical challenges such as collaboration and language understanding. They also attack real-world challenges, such as finding ways for robots to assist Parkinson’s patients.
Projects include the Open-World Novelty Detection, Characterization, and Accommodation project, which focuses on teaching robots to handle changes in their environment to complete tasks successfully. Another project, Towards Trusted Human-Like Artificial Teammates, trains robots to operate at human-like levels by using real-time information from human teammates to track individual and team cognitive states, which are then integrated into a shared mental model. This shared information enables robots to make better decisions and adapt their behavior accordingly.
In the Self-Assessment and Resilience project, robots learn to monitor their own performance and detect issues that might prevent them from completing their tasks. As they identify and fix problems, the robots become more resilient to changes in their environment. Collectively, HRILab’s projects work toward creating robots that understand human language, make fair and ethical decisions based on societal norms, and contribute positively to society.
How the Lab Inspires Tufts Students and the Future of Computer Science
Tufts encourages innovation and champions new ideas in computer science and human-robot interaction. The team at HRILab was among the first to work on norms for robots, and their research keeps Tufts at the forefront of robotics and AI.
Their work advances the field and enriches the experience for students throughout Tufts’ academic programs. Tufts online Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) students gain valuable insights from exposure to this innovative research, learning about real-world challenges, novel solutions, and how engineering affects society.
As a tier-one research university and member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), Tufts fosters a collaborative environment where creative thinking across the institution fuels research and excitement within the STEM fields. The interdisciplinary environment allows ideas and expertise to span different academic disciplines, expanding learning opportunities and collaboration to boost academic and career potential. Students benefit from access to cutting-edge research, distinguished faculty, networking opportunities, and the prestige of earning a degree from a highly respected university.
Meet the Humans Behind the Robots
The HRILab features a team of faculty, researchers, and students from different disciplines and interests. Their work is shaping the future of human-robot interaction. They include:
- Matthias Scheutz, director of the HRILab and Karol Family Applied Technology Professor. Scheutz has worked on human-robot interaction for decades and has over 400 peer-reviewed publications in areas that include artificial intelligence, natural language processing, cognitive modeling, robotics, and human-robot interaction. His research focuses on complex ethical cognitive robots with natural language interaction, problem-solving, and instruction-based learning capabilities in open worlds.
- Vasanth Sarathy, research assistant professor. Sarathy previously worked as a senior researcher at Smart Information Flow Technologies, collaborating with the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community to solve AI challenges. He focuses his research on making generative AI systems more creative and inventive while staying within socio-cultural norms by combining neural and symbolic tactics.
- Evan Krause, senior robotics researcher and lab manager. Krause’s research interests include failure detection and recovery, problem-solving, and architecture development for robots in open worlds.
The interdisciplinary nature of Tufts’ programs means that the research from HRILabs impacts computer science students, even in courses taught by faculty members who are engaged in different areas of research. Fundamentals and advanced skills learned in classes like CS 131 Artificial Intelligence and CS 138 Reinforcement Learning investigate robotics, provide students the knowledge and tools to create systems capable of learning, planning, and interacting. These courses also draw on lessons learned within the HRILab in areas like decision-making and human-robot interactions.
Why It Matters for Online Computer Science Students
At Tufts, online MSCS students complete a cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary curriculum that aligns with the latest trends, from reinforcement learning to web development. By developing advanced knowledge and mastering fundamentals needed to adapt and thrive throughout their careers, students build a competitive advantage in the field.
To prepare students to become effective STEM leaders, the Tufts online MSCS delivers the hard skills needed to develop a solid technical foundation and helps students hone their critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity—skills that go beyond robotics. These skills are critical in preparing future leaders who can solve complex challenges, create innovative solutions, and collaborate effectively with team members.
Your Future Is Now: How To Pursue a Tufts Online MSCS
Through innovative research, Tufts University works towards robots that better understand humans and can work collaboratively with people. From training robots to manage change and operate more like humans to improving how robots monitor their own performance, research from the HRILab helps shape the future of robotics.
The online MSCS program combines state-of-the-art research with a strong commitment to teaching; students gain access to innovative solutions and dedicated faculty who help them develop the foundation and skills needed to succeed. If you’re ready to join a program that prepares you to create inspired solutions for tomorrow’s challenges, connect with an enrollment advisor to learn more about the online MSCS or the computer science pathways program.