Research group focused on Social Haptics, Assistive Robotics, and Embodiment
As part of the Oregon State University Collaborative Robotics and Intelligent Systems (CoRIS) Institute, we study human-robot touch, socially assistive robotics, and robot embodiment in everyday settings.
We are looking for inquisitive and diligent graduate and undergraduate students who are interested in studying human-robot interaction. See the “Contact” page for information about how to get in touch.
Dr. Fitter led or contributed to robotics performing arts experiences at three conferences during 2024-5: RO-MAN 2024, ICRA 2025, and RSS 2025. Each show featured Jon the Robot, an autonomous robotic stand-up comedian. Grab your tickets for the June 23 RSS performance while you still can!
Prof. Fitter’s National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award entitled “CAREER: Toward Effective Automated Robot Nudges to Promote Older Adult Health” was awarded funding. This award is an important milestone showing the lab’s leadership in robotics-related research and teaching/training.
The lab’s efforts to understand different nonverbal and verbal robot responses to failure led to a published ICRA 2025 paper entitled “How Sound-Based Robot Communication Impacts Perceptions of Robotic Failure.” Excitingly, this paper was selected as a best paper finalist for the conference (top ~1% of submitted papers).
Prof. Fitter and Jon the Robot were featured on the PRX-distributed radio show Live Wire with Luke Burbank, covering everything from machine learning to the impacts of apparent gender of robotic comedians. This show regularly reaches 300,000+ listeners - the next one could be you!