Humanising Technology: The Innovators Behind Affective Computing
Affective computing is one of the most exciting intersections of artificial intelligence, psychology, and human-computer interaction. It aims to create systems that can recognise, interpret, and simulate human emotions. The field is not only fascinating but deeply impactful, with applications ranging from healthcare to education, gaming, and beyond.
Here, we shine a spotlight on five stars of affective computing who have redefined how we think about emotion in technology.
1. Rosalind Picard: The Pioneer Who Defined the Field
Rosalind Picard, a professor at the MIT Media Lab, is often hailed as the founder of affective computing. Her groundbreaking book, Affective Computing (1997), laid the theoretical foundation for the field, arguing that emotions are essential to human intelligence and decision-making, and thus must be part of AI systems.
Rosalind Picard
In the early days of her research, Picard noticed a glaring omission in how machines interacted with humans: they lacked emotional intelligence. Driven by this realisation, she embarked on a journey to teach machines to recognise and respond to human emotions. Her work culminated in the creation of Empatica, a company that developed the Embrace smartwatch. Originally designed to monitor emotional and physical health, the device gained recognition for its ability to detect seizures, providing life-saving alerts for individuals with epilepsy. Through her work, Picard has shown how affective computing can move beyond theory into real-world impact.
“We are not building machines to replace humans; we are building them to support humans and to augment human well-being,” Picard has said, encapsulating her mission to humanise technology.
2. Rana el Kaliouby: Emotion AI for Real-World Impact
Rana el Kaliouby’s journey in affective computing began with a simple but profound observation: technology, as advanced as it had become, was emotionally blind. Co-founding Affectiva, el Kaliouby set out to build AI systems that could analyse facial expressions and vocal tones to understand emotions. Her work quickly found applications in diverse industries, from enhancing automotive safety to improving mental health care.
Rana el Kaliouby
One of her most compelling projects involved partnering with car manufacturers to embed emotion AI into vehicles. These systems could monitor a driver’s emotions—detecting fatigue, frustration, or distraction—and prompt timely interventions to improve safety. Her focus on ethical AI, ensuring privacy and minimising bias, has also set a high standard for the industry.
In her memoir, Girl Decoded, el Kaliouby shares her vision for emotionally intelligent technology and her determination to bring empathy into AI systems. “Emotions are at the core of every human interaction. For AI to be truly human-centric, it must be emotionally intelligent,” she explains, highlighting the humanity behind her technological innovations.
3. Jonathan Gratch: Virtual Humans and Emotional Simulations
Jonathan Gratch, a researcher at the USC Institute for Creative Technologies, has dedicated his career to bridging the gap between human emotions and artificial intelligence. His work on virtual humans—AI-powered avatars capable of mimicking human emotions—has opened new possibilities in therapy, education, and military training.
Jonathan Gratch
One of his most impactful projects involved creating virtual agents for post-traumatic stress therapy. These emotionally intelligent avatars could simulate realistic conversations with veterans, providing a safe and supportive environment for discussing traumatic experiences. Gratch’s research demonstrated how virtual humans could foster trust and empathy, helping individuals who might otherwise hesitate to seek help.
“Emotion is not just something that happens to you; it is a tool that helps you navigate the world,” Gratch has remarked, emphasising the importance of emotional understanding in both humans and machines.
4. Katherine Isbister: Designing Emotionally Engaging Technology
For Katherine Isbister, a professor at UC Santa Cruz, affective computing is not just about recognising emotions—it’s about designing experiences that evoke them. Her work in game design has shown how technology can create deeply emotional connections, enhancing user engagement and storytelling.
Katherine Isbister
In one notable project, Isbister explored how games could foster empathy by putting players in emotionally charged scenarios. By designing characters and narratives that resonate on a human level, she demonstrated the potential of games to teach emotional intelligence and social skills. Her book, How Games Move Us: Emotion by Design, offers a deep dive into the emotional power of games and their ability to connect us with our own humanity.
“Games are a powerful medium for exploring and expressing our humanity. They let us feel things deeply and connect in meaningful ways,” Isbister has said, underscoring the transformative potential of her work.
5. Cynthia Breazeal: The Innovator of Social Robotics
Cynthia Breazeal, a pioneer in social robotics, has spent her career creating robots that can understand, respond to, and even evoke human emotions. At the MIT Media Lab, Breazeal developed Kismet, one of the earliest robots capable of recognising and responding to human emotions.
Cynthia Breazeal
Breazeal’s work took a transformative turn with the creation of Jibo, a social robot designed for home use. Unlike traditional robots, Jibo was built to foster emotional connections with its users, engaging in playful interactions and providing companionship. Through projects like this, Breazeal has redefined what robots can be, shifting the focus from functional machines to emotionally intelligent companions.
“Social robots are not just about technology; they are about understanding and nurturing the human experience,” Breazeal explains, highlighting the profound impact of her innovations.
The Future of Affective Computing
These trailblazers are shaping a future where technology understands and respects human emotions, making our interactions with machines more meaningful and humane. As the field grows, it promises to transform industries like healthcare, education, and entertainment, ensuring that technology serves as a true partner in our emotional lives.
Whether it’s through wearable devices, emotionally intelligent virtual agents, or social robots, the work of these innovators reminds us that the heart of AI is—quite literally—human.
