“Generations in Dialogue: Bridging Perspectives in AI” is a captivating podcast by AAAI that hosts insightful conversations amongst AI experts, practitioners, and enthusiasts from various age groups and backgrounds. Each engaging episode of the podcast delves deep into how different generational experiences influence perceptions of AI, shedding light on the challenges, opportunities, and ethical considerations that accompany the continuous evolution of this groundbreaking technology.
In the fourth episode of this compelling series by AAAI, host Ella Lan engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Professor Marynel Vázquez. Professor Vázquez shares the inspiration behind her research direction, reflecting on the evolution of her perspectives on human-robot interactions over time. The conversation delves into intriguing topics such as robots navigating social contexts, the potential of using robots in education, modeling interactions as graphs, addressing societal misunderstandings about robots, the importance of incorporating feedback from target users, the complexities of error recognition, and the development of adaptive robots.
Marynel Vázquez, a distinguished computer scientist and roboticist, specializes in Human-Robot Interaction (HRI), particularly in multi-party settings. Her research focuses on studying social group dynamics within HRI, including spatial behavior and social influence, and she designs algorithms that empower autonomous, socially intelligent robot behaviors. A central aspect of her work involves modeling interactions as graphs, enabling robots to comprehend individuals, relationships, and groups simultaneously. Professor Vázquez’s interdisciplinary approach merges computer science, behavioral science, and design, culminating in the creation of cutting-edge robotic systems and infrastructures that translate theoretical concepts into practical applications.
Ella Lan, a member of the AAAI Student Committee and the host of “Generations in Dialogue: Bridging Perspectives in AI,” is dedicated to fostering dialogues across different career stages to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. A student at Stanford University studying Computer Science and Psychology, Ella is passionate about creating spaces where technical innovation intersects with ethical reflection, human values, and societal impact. Her diverse interests encompass education, healthcare, and AI ethics, with a primary focus on cultivating inclusive, interdisciplinary conversations that steer the trajectory of responsible AI development.
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