Forschung
Our research is primarily focused on Socially Interactive Agents (SIAs), which can take the form of Intelligent Virtual Agents when virtually embodied or Social Robots when physically embodied. These agents are able to multimodally communicate with one another and human users, adhering to their familiar interaction patterns.
In line with the principles of Positive Computing, we design and develop technologies aimed at serving humanity and aiding people in reaching their full potential. Guided by the mission statement of Developing for Diversity, our research places significant emphasis on considering the diverse range of individuals or target audiences who stand to benefit from these systems. Our research endeavors encompass a range of highly relevant topics within the realm of human-agent/AI interaction. These include but are not limited to, social robotics applications in elderly care, fostering diversity within virtual environments, and leveraging technology to enhance educational experiences.
The research conducted by our chair is inherently interdisciplinary. Originating from the field of computer science, our focus lies in the implementation of multimodal intelligent systems. Given that these systems are designed for intuitive and effective human interaction, our work integrates theories and methodologies from social psychology to develop and evaluate interventions involving SIAs.
This interdisciplinary approach leads to the exploration of highly topical and pertinent research questions within both computer science and psychology. As a result, the SIA group contributes to esteemed AI conferences such as AAMAS and prestigious psychological journals such as Computers and Education or Computers in Human Behavior. Additionally, our research finds its place in specialized conferences such as ACM IVA or IEEE Ro-Man, ensuring visibility and engagement with scholars from diverse disciplines.
The high potential for application of our research, has fostered numerous collaborations. These collaborations extend not only within the university, including cooperations with the faculty of human sciences and the faculty of business management and economics, but also with regional businesses such as nursing homes, medical practices, and hotels.
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