About

Human-Robot Interaction is an interdisciplinary effort aimed at understanding and improving all aspects of interactions between humans and robots. It draws on knowledge from computer science, mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as psychology, philosophy, anthropology, legal fields, among various others. Cutting across the engineering and social sciences, human-robot interaction research is a paradigmatic multi- and inter-disciplinary program with enormous future societal benefits, especially as intelligent autonomous robots are increasingly becoming part of our lives.

Tufts School of Engineering has a long tradition in human factors engineering and engineering psychology, as well as expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction. More recently, faculty engagement and new faculty hires extended the existing research expertise into various aspects of human-robot interaction, opening up novel collaborations within and outside of the university.

The combination of strong programs in engineering foundations paired with programs aimed at improving the interaction of humans with technology – one of three pillars of excellence in the School of Engineering – provides the opportunity for offering unique degree programs in human-robot interaction. Our future-oriented programs are the first and thus one-of-a-of their kind among national and international research universities, and lay the foundations for future generations of researchers and practitioners working in all areas of robotics where robots have to interact with humans.