Research

My research group characterizes human physical and cognitive interactions in the presence of technology for goal-oriented manual task performance to design technology and operational decision-making aids. We blend human factors, biomechanics, and robotics. We use empirical studies to holistically study human-system interactions and leverage signal processing and controls intuition to design new solutions. The knowledge we create and systems we design will lead to interactive robotic and sensing technologies that people want to use to make their job easier. Our research has three thrusts:

Wearable motion sensing to support decision making

The objective of this research thrust is to create robust metrics from wearable motion sensors to enable evidence-based decision making. Synergistic projects include (1) assessing musculoskeletal injury risk factors for industry applications, (2) data-driven home assessments for balance rehabilitation, (3) quantifying qualitative concepts (e.g., agility, coordination), and (4) positive pressure ventilation (PPV) strategies to inform clinical tool usage and training methods. This research theme includes characterization of stakeholder decision-making needs, wearable motion sensing metric design, and hypothesis-driven studies to validate proposed methods. Quantification of human performance enables decision support across design decisions, policy generation, and individual assessment and training.

Exoskeleton use and usability

The objective of this research thrust is to create co-adaptive algorithms for powered exoskeletons that adapt with the user and build understanding of human-device interactions through empirical studies. Powered robotic exoskeletons offer great promise, including augmenting workers in labor-intensive tasks and supporting aging in place through assisting with activities of daily living.  Yet, one primary challenge for these powered devices is to achieve seamless cooperation between the human user and the exoskeleton. Synergistic projects include (1) co-adaptive control design, (2) studying the influence of exoskeletons on cognitive processes, and (3) operationalizing the construct of trust for wearable robots. This research theme includes designing biologically-inspired co-adaptive algorithms, designing biofeedback systems, and hypothesis-driven studies on how co-adaptive controllers and feedback can synergistically support exoskeleton use and usability.

Human-system interactions for space operations

The objective of this research thrust is to create evidence-based tools and operations recommendations for space missions. As NASA and other countries prepare to head back to the moon and beyond, crews will need to be responsible for increased decision making within the mission, including their own readiness to perform tasks and interactions with supporting systems. Synergistic projects include (1) empirically-evaluated astronaut readiness assessments, (2) human-aware motion planning for space robotics, and (3) extravehicular activity timeline planning. This research theme includes defining cognitive and physical load factors using wearable sensors and task characteristics, motion plan algorithm design, and hypothesis-driven studies.