Hatice Gunes: Pioneering Emotional Intelligence in Robotics

Minja Axelsson, Nida Itrat Abbasi, Dr Micol Spitale, and Professor Hatice Gunes

Professor Hatice Gunes, a distinguished fellow of Trinity Hall and a leading researcher at the University of Cambridge, has pioneered significant advancements in the field of social robotics. Her work is dedicated to enhancing how robots understand and interact with human emotions, aiming to improve societal wellbeing through innovative robotic applications.

Enhancing Emotional Detection in Robotics

Gunes's groundbreaking research has demonstrated that robots can more effectively detect mental wellbeing issues in children compared to traditional assessment methods like parent or self-reporting. This capability is crucial for developing robots that can serve in sensitive roles, such as supporting children's mental health. Gunes explains the importance of this capability:

"My current research vision is to create autonomous systems and social robots with embodied artificial socio-emotional intelligence that can engage people in long-term interactions through adaption and personalisation."​

Developing Emotionally Intelligent Robots:

At the core of her research is the development of autonomous systems and social robots endowed with artificial socio-emotional intelligence. These robots are designed to engage with people over long periods, adapting and personalising their interactions based on nonverbal human behaviors such as facial expressions and body language.

Application Across Various Demographics:

The adaptability of Gunes’s robotic technologies is evident in their diverse applications. For example, her robots are used in therapeutic settings for children with autism and in care homes to engage the elderly, demonstrating the robots' utility in enhancing care and support across different age groups and needs.

Humanising Robot Interactions:

Gunes focuses on making AI and robots more "emotional" by enabling them to emulate human-like behaviours such as nodding and providing verbal back-channels during interactions. This approach helps make robots more relatable and effective in roles typically filled by human professionals, such as therapists or coaches. She notes the unique position of humanoid robots:

"Humanoid and social robots, with their varied form and size, can emulate such behaviours and therefore are arguably the most 'emotional' AI that there currently is."​

The Influence of Academic Environment:

Being embedded in the collegiate system at Trinity Hall has significantly influenced Gunes’s approach to research and teaching. Her role as a Director of Studies in Computer Science allows her to mentor students closely, which enriches her research with fresh perspectives and enhances her contributions to the academic community.

Realistic Outlook on Robotics' Future:

Despite the optimism surrounding robotic advancements, Gunes is realistic about their current limitations, such as computational and physical capabilities. However, she envisions incremental integration of robots into daily tasks, beginning with straightforward activities and gradually expanding to more complex functions.

Inspiring Future Generations:

Gunes actively encourages young people interested in robotics, urging them to engage with the field through science festivals and educational events. She emphasises the importance of firsthand experiences in understanding the real-world applications and potential of robotics.

Through her innovative research and dedication, Professor Hatice Gunes is shaping the future of robotics. Her efforts are making substantial contributions to the field, particularly in how robots understand and interact with humans, paving the way for more empathetic and effective robotic systems in our daily lives.