Our Team.
All
Ph.D
Master's
Undergraduate
Robots
Belenus Carroll
Belenus combines his passion for technology and human behavior in his studies, majoring in Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a focus on Human-AI Interaction and minoring in Psychology. This interdisciplinary approach blends technical and psychological insights. Prior to his undergraduate studies, he earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science, specializing in Computer Information Systems and Web Development, equipping him to create digital platforms such as the website you are viewing now.
Wing-Yue Geoffrey Louie
Geoffrey, an Associate Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Oakland University, directs the Intelligent Robotics Laboratory. He holds a PhD in Robotics from the University of Toronto. Recipient of the NSF CAREER award, his research focuses on customizable, user-friendly robot technology for diverse applications like autism therapy, elder care, physiotherapy, education, and autonomous systems. His work has secured over $3.5 million in funding from organizations like NSF, NASA, the Department of Defense, and industry partners.
Qinghua Chen
Qinghua Chen, presently a Ph.D. candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Oakland University, She joined the Intelligent Robotics Lab in 2021, and became a member of the Embedded Systems Research Lab in 2019. She obtained her Master's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Beijing Institute of Technology in China in 2003. Before joining Oakland University, she worked as a lecturer at Zhengzhou University of Light Industry.
Pourya Shahverdi
Pourya Shahverdi, a Robotics and AI specialist, is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Oakland University. As a graduate research assistant under Dr. Geoffrey Louie at the Intelligent Robotics Laboratory, he focuses on social human-robot interaction, aiming to develop advanced conversational AI agents. Pourya believes true human-AI connection requires equipping artificial agents with human-like Emotional Quotient (EQ).
Ayomide Yusuf
Ayomide is a dynamic professional with a solid academic foundation and diverse industry experience. He has a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Embedded Systems, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Social Robots. He has experience in the Automotive Industry, he worked with Continental Automotive, Aptiv, and Ford, He is currently a Software Engineer at General Motors.
Sean Dallas
Sean Dallas, a Ph.D. student in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Oakland University, focuses on human-robot interaction (HRI) within simulations. His research applies data mining techniques to analyze patterns and trends in simulated HRI, exploring critical aspects like communication, trust, and task efficiency. Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, Sean's work advances understanding of HRI complexities while bridging simulated and real-world interactions. His efforts aim to create more adaptive, intuitive robotic systems, shaping the future of human-robot collaboration.
Motaz AbuHijleh
Motaz AbuHijleh is pursuing a PhD degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Oakland University. He received his BSc. degree in Computer Engineering from the German Jordanian University in Jordan, his thesis focused on classification of Electroencephalogram signals of motor imagery using convolutional neural networks. He is currently working on creating machine learning models for imitation of human behavior as well as virtual simulation of human-robot teaming.
Alex Tyshka
Alex Tyshka is a 2nd year master’s student and a member of the lab for the last 3 years. Alex’s research focuses on how to help people without technical expertise to teach robots, particularly social robots. His past work has included papers on robot-mediated therapy for autism spectrum disorder, interactive verbal teaching of robots, and machine-learning interpretability to help non-experts understand how the robot works.
Evan Dallas
Evan Dallas, an undergraduate student at Oakland University, is a proficient developer skilled in Python and Unreal Engine. He has contributed to impactful projects, including a media player for behavioral analysis, robot therapy movement controls, a children’s language teaching interface, and a robot storytelling program. In Unreal Engine, Evan excels with Blueprints, creating functions for efficient data collection and Excel integration. Passionate about merging technology and research, Evan is dedicated to advancing innovative, meaningful projects.
Pepper
Pepper is a humanoid robot developed by SoftBank Robotics, designed to interact with humans through voice, gestures, and expressions. Standing at 120 cm (4 ft), Pepper is equipped with cameras, touch sensors, and a tablet for intuitive communication. It can recognize emotions, understand speech in multiple languages, and provide assistance in customer service, education, and healthcare. Known for its approachable design and versatility, Pepper is widely used in retail, hospitality, and social engagement settings worldwide.
Paul Mazzara
Paul's great interest in mathematics, engineering, and health sciences is at the core of his academic journey, leading him to major in Bioengineering. This interdisciplinary field allows him to combine his analytical skills and innovative mindset to address challenges at the intersection of technology and human health. Prior to his undergraduate studies, Paul earned his associate degree in Applied Mathematics, which equipped him with exceptional problem-solving abilities to apply across his diverse range of interests.
Absalat Getachew
Absalat Dawit Getachew, originally from Ethiopia, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia and completed her Master’s in Computer Science at OU. Her master’s thesis- "Exploring the Impact of Embodiment in Machine-Facilitated Interviews: Enhancing Data Quality and User Experience in Qualitative Research," focused on how embodied systems can improve and scale qualitative data collection. Now pursuing a PhD, she is dedicated to advancing the automation of qualitative research processes, with a focus on human-robot interaction.
Nao (Aka Salt)
NAO is a versatile humanoid robot created by SoftBank Robotics, widely recognized for its compact design and advanced functionality. Standing at 58 cm (23 inches) tall, NAO is equipped with cameras, microphones, and sensors, enabling it to see, hear, and respond interactively. It supports multiple programming languages, making it ideal for education, research, and robotics development. NAO is used in classrooms, healthcare, and entertainment, offering applications in coding, STEM education, and social interaction. Its adaptability and friendly design make it a favorite in robotics education.
Kebbi
Kebbi is an interactive humanoid robot designed by Nuwa Robotics, tailored for education and social interaction. Compact and engaging, Kebbi features expressive animations, voice recognition, and multi-language support. It is equipped with AI-powered functionalities, including facial recognition and emotional interaction, making it a valuable tool for personalized learning and companionship. Widely used in classrooms and at home, Kebbi assists with teaching STEM, language skills, and social development through interactive storytelling, games, and activities, fostering an engaging and fun learning experience for children.
Baxter
Baxter is an industrial robot developed by Rethink Robotics, designed for collaborative manufacturing and research applications. Featuring two articulated arms, an expressive display face, and integrated safety mechanisms, Baxter is capable of working alongside humans without the need for extensive safety barriers. It is equipped with sensors, cameras, and a user-friendly interface, enabling it to perform repetitive tasks like assembly, packaging, and material handling. Its adaptability and ease of programming make it an accessible solution for automation in small to medium-sized businesses and academic research.
UR10
The UR10 is a collaborative industrial robot by Universal Robots, designed to work alongside humans in manufacturing. With a 10 kg payload and 1300 mm reach, it handles tasks like assembly, packaging, and material handling. Its lightweight design, ease of programming via touchscreen, and flexibility make it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking to automate production processes efficiently. The UR10 combines safety and adaptability for a wide range of applications in various industries.
Turtlebot 2
TurtleBot 2 is a versatile, low-cost robot platform designed for research, education, and robotics development. Powered by the Robot Operating System (ROS), it features sensors like a 3D LIDAR, cameras, and IMU for navigation and mapping. Its compact design and modular components make it customizable for various applications, from autonomous navigation to object recognition. TurtleBot 2 is widely used in robotics research, learning environments, and prototype development, offering a hands-on platform for students and engineers to explore robotics concepts.