· Tell us a little bit about studies and background: what has led you to where you are now?
I have completed by Master’s in information technology (major in User Experience) from Tampere University (previously Tampere University of Technology). During my master thesis work, I developed strong interest towards robots and robotic technologies. I have determined to study further and explore the field of human-robot interaction, which led me to my doctoral studies.
· How has it been to work for AI Hub Tampere project?
I started working as a project researcher for AI Hub Tampere in 2019, since then I have gained knowledge and experience in several aspects. I reached out to companies for organizing pilots which developed my networking skills, brainstormed, and conducted pilot studies with SMEs which helped me understand companies’ needs and expectations, and facilitated workshops which developed my communication and management skills. The journey of two years has been exciting for me since I have constantly gained knowledge and experience related to AI and robotics.
· Could you name some things you have worked on in 2021?
In February, I facilitated a workshop on Human-Robot Interaction. The goal of the workshop was to familiarize with the current human-cobot interaction, familiarize with the user experience in collaborative robotics, and explore and co-design futuristic human-cobot interaction scenarios. We have conducted a pilot study with Trialwell. Trialwell aims to recruit participants on behalf of clinical and non-clinical research trials and we conducted a lightweight usability evaluation for their web service.
We planned one pilot workshop with Tuomi Logistics, which is currently postponed to March 2022 due to revised pandemic restrictions.
· What hardware, software, or other skills and tools have you needed and used the most?
For the usability evaluation, user interviews and workshops, I heavily depended on Teams and Zoom in 2021. I analyse the collected data using Excel and AtlasTi. I have sometimes programmed the social robot Pepper using Choregraphe (a programming application developed by softbank robotics), HTML, JavaScript, and Python.
· What is your main passion and motivation in science right now?
It is interesting for me to see how science and Artificial Intelligence could bring robots and human closer. 50 years ago, robots have been used as “slaves” with no perception of emotions or empathy. Things have changed, thanks to AI, now robots can perceive and express emotions in different contexts, which encourages human to interact with them.
· What topics or technologies would you like to work with in 2022?
I enjoy learning about human-robot interaction and how AI can contribute to it, therefore I would focus on AI in human-robot interaction.
· What would you like to tell the people who are starting their studies next year?
Try to find your motivation and passion, and work towards it. It will bring joy while working and you will never feel bored.
· And lastly, what is your message to companies who are curious about working with AI Hub?
If you have an AI based platform or are curious how AI might help you with your service, please feel free to reach us. We conduct helpdesk sessions and pilots to explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence for your service. The participatory discussion session will help both parties to understand your needs and expectations from AI.