Neil Fernandes

My research trajectory revolves around the ever-evolving field of human-robot interaction, emphasizing the development of robots that can be seamlessly integrated into society. Specifically, I aim to pioneer advancements in social intelligence along with controls for robots (coordinating robots for task specification), challenging the conventional use of robots in mundane manufacturing tasks. I believe that social robots should be adaptable and dynamic, evolving with the latest technologies to bring novelty and a genuine connection to their core. With these tools, robots can be assimilated into the household, bringing a new era to how we live.

The overarching goal is to transition robots from their conventional roles in manufacturing towards becoming integral members of our lives, seamlessly blending into society. I would mainly look at adaptive human robot collaboration that allows robots to dynamically colaborate with humans in various environments and study the nuances behind these techniques. I would also look into multi modal techniques to make robots more socially acceptable, where I would investigate visual, auditory and tactile feedback systems to enhance approcahability and user experience of such robots around humans. I aim to contribute to the transformation of robotics from mere functional tools to socially intelligent robots, capable of enriching human experiences and fostering meaningful connections in diverse societal contexts.

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