Expert Answers | How do robots and humans communicate?

Robotics expert Naomi Fitter talks about the importance of designing robots that will be accepted by people. Factors like robot sounds, facial expressions, movement and form make a difference as to whether they will be trusted by people.

Learn more about robotics and AI at Oregon State University: https://beav.es/explore

Naomi Fitter is an associate professor of robotics and mechanical engineering who studies human-robot interaction for applications like robotic assistants for older adults and people with disabilities.

Areas of specialization
• Non-verbal robot communication
• Robot comedy
• Assistive robotics

Education
• B.S. and B.A. Mechanical Engineering and Spanish, University of Cincinnati, 2012
• M.S.E. Robotics, University of Pennsylvania, 2015
• Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, 2017
• Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Southern California Interaction Lab, 2017-18

Accomplishments
• 2025 National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Award.
• Featured in Time magazine, National Public Radio and several other media outlets.

Learn more about Naomi Fitter: https://engineering.oregonstate.edu/p...

0:00 - Introduction
0:16 - Why is human robot interaction important?
1:09 - Does it matter what a robot looks like?
2:15 - What are some examples of different robot forms?
3:21 - How do you know what kind of robot is best?