Chia-Hsin Wu’s journey into the world of social robots began during an exchange year at Tampere University, sparking a profound interest in how these machines could positively impact our daily existence.
Photo: Antti Yrjönen
– I enjoyed programming robots to suit users’ needs and was glad to learn a new approach that creates positive user experiences,” Wu reflects on her initial foray into robotics.
This enthusiasm for robotics, combined with a desire to enhance human life through technology, led Wu to her role as a doctoral researcher in the ‘CONVERGENCE – Convergence of Humans and Machines’ project. Here, she is developing robots aimed at aiding children’s education and elderly healthcare.
The CONVERGENCE project, a hub of multidisciplinary research, delves into affective computing, gamification, and robotics to envision a future where knowledge and skills are transferred in real-time and AI agents can anticipate and respond to human needs ethically.
Wu focuses her research on the perceived trustworthiness of robots, especially among children and the elderly.
– I am working with robots that help children learn and assist older adults in their daily healthcare,” she explains. Her work has a broad range of applications, from educational tools in sports camps to encouraging physical activities among older adults in care homes.
By introducing robots into the daily lives of vulnerable user groups, Wu aims to improve technological literacy and foster a positive relationship between humans and machines.
The genuine interest and affection that the elderly have shown towards the robots have pleasantly surprised Wu.
– Just a week ago, I heard from my supervisor that the older adults in the care home where we conducted research were asking if they could have an outdoor walk with the robot again.
At just 26 years old, Wu’s research journey is already marked by significant recognitions that have reinforced her drive. Her master’s thesis was awarded the winner of the SIGCHI Finland Master’s Thesis Competition in 2022, and her first doctoral publication won the Huawei Best PhD Publication Award from Tampere University of Technology.
– These recognitions have given me confirmation of my work and further set my motivation to excel in this field, Wu states.
Coming from a background that blends industrial design and Human-Technology Interaction, Wu appreciates the innovative and multidisciplinary nature of the CONVERGENCE project. It challenges her to explore new technical research methods, pushing her beyond her comfort zone and fostering academic growth.
– I will learn new things that enhance the scope of my research,” she says.
Wu draws inspiration from everyday encounters, from her initial interaction with a food delivery robot to the smiles of children and the elderly involved in her studies. These experiences serve as constant reminders of the real-world impact of her work, where technology and humanity intersect in meaningful ways.
Photo: Antti Yrjönen
The future of human-machine interaction should be ethically safe, have information transparency, and be accessible to all kinds of user groups.
Chia-Hsin Wu
Text and photos by Antti Yrjönen
Stage and lights by Carlos Portilla Lopez
Venue Teatterimonttu, City centre campus
Original post: https://www.tuni.fi/en/news/chia-hsin-wu-shapes-future-where-robots-enhance-lives-children-and-seniors
