Matt Taylor
researches physical and virtual entities that interact with their environments.
What does this mean? He works with robots and artificial intelligence.
- Virtual agents: online smart tools that predict behavior – even take action on behalf of the user
- Physical agent: tools with structure and moving parts that are programmed to aid in certain tasks. For example, the Roomba is a “smart vacuum cleaner”
Why does this matter? In support of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s patients – a robot could guide and prompt them through the steps of accomplishing specific tasks – providing guidance and redirection if steps are missed and keeping the patient on task.
Most of Taylor’s research has been with virtual agents. Hence the appeal of joining the faculty at WSU – as he is heading up the new robotics lab that will emphasize research using physical agents. The lab blends the talents of students from various engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical and computer science.
- Research Goals -
In the early stages of the robotics lab – the goal is to study human interaction with robotics technology and tools. Taylor also wants to grow a robotics club and recruit more faculty into the robotics field. Obstacles include the interdisciplinary nature of the robotics discipline and creating the necessary collaborations.
- Research Significance -
In the future the presence of robots in schools, military and factories will only increase. Right now these virtual and physical agents do not work well “on the fly.” They are human-controlled and designed for very specific circumstances. The robots are not able to adapt to their surroundings, adjust as needed or react to barriers and pitfalls. In order for them to be robust and useful in the world we have to be able to learn from the technology. Taylor’s objective in research is to advance the robotics technology so it can adapt and learn in unpredictable scenarios.