Human-Robot Interaction Specialist (The Empathy Engineer)

Are you passionate about creating seamless and intuitive interactions between humans and robots? Do you have the vision to design robotic behaviors, interfaces, and experiences that make technology more accessible and empathetic? If you’re ready to bridge the gap between people and machines, our client has the ideal role for you. We’re looking for a Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) Specialist (aka The Empathy Engineer) to develop and optimize the interactions, interfaces, and feedback systems that make robots easier, friendlier, and more efficient to work with.

As a Human-Robot Interaction Specialist at our client, you’ll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to research, design, and test interaction models that improve user experience and accessibility. Your expertise in cognitive psychology, interaction design, and robotics will be essential in creating robots that people feel comfortable, safe, and empowered using.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Design and Develop Human-Robot Interaction Models:
• Create intuitive interaction models that allow users to communicate and control robots seamlessly. You’ll develop behaviors, responses, and feedback systems that enhance user comfort and ease of use.
2. Conduct Usability Testing and Human-Centered Research:
• Plan and execute user studies to observe and evaluate how people interact with robots. You’ll analyze feedback to refine and optimize interaction models, ensuring they meet human needs and preferences.
3. Develop Interfaces for Robot Control and Feedback:
• Design user interfaces (UIs) and control panels that simplify interaction and enable intuitive control of robots. You’ll consider factors like ease of use, accessibility, and user safety.
4. Implement and Test Multimodal Interaction Techniques:
• Develop multimodal interaction approaches, such as voice recognition, gesture control, and haptic feedback, to allow diverse ways for users to engage with robots. You’ll experiment with combining these modes to find the most effective interactions.
5. Collaborate on Behavioral and Social Robotics Research:
• Work with cognitive scientists and social robotics experts to create behaviors and responses that align with human social expectations. You’ll design robots that exhibit behaviors appropriate for various social and work contexts.
6. Ensure Safety and Ethical Standards in HRI Design:
• Develop interactions that prioritize user safety and adhere to ethical standards for human-robot interaction. You’ll anticipate potential risks and ensure that interactions are designed with safety in mind.
7. Stay Updated on HRI and Social Robotics Advancements:
• Continuously research new methods, tools, and trends in HRI and social robotics. You’ll bring fresh ideas to the team and apply the latest insights to keep interactions at the cutting edge.

Required Skills:

• HRI and Cognitive Psychology Knowledge: Strong understanding of human-robot interaction principles, cognitive psychology, and user-centered design for creating intuitive interactions.
• Proficiency in Interface Design and UX/UI: Experience designing user-friendly interfaces and control panels, with proficiency in tools like Adobe XD, Figma, or similar.
• Multimodal Interaction Techniques: Familiarity with voice, gesture, and haptic interaction techniques to create versatile and accessible robotic controls.
• Programming Skills in Python, C++, or JavaScript: Proficiency in programming languages commonly used for interface and control system development, with experience in ROS (Robot Operating System) as a plus.
• Analytical and Research Skills: Ability to design, conduct, and analyze usability studies, interpret data, and make data-driven design improvements.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, Robotics, or a related field. Equivalent experience in HRI or UX/UI design may be considered.
• Specialized coursework or certifications in user experience design, psychology, or social robotics are advantageous.

Experience Requirements:

• 3+ years of experience in HRI, UX/UI design, or a similar field, with a focus on developing intuitive human-machine interfaces.
• Experience with user research and usability testing methodologies to gather and analyze feedback from diverse user groups.
• Familiarity with embedded interfaces, wearable technology, or VR/AR for advanced HRI applications is a plus.

• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with low co-pays and premiums.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation, sick leave, and 20 paid holidays per year.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedules and telecommuting options.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certification reimbursement, and career advancement programs.
• Wellness Programs: Access to wellness programs, including gym memberships, health screenings, and mental health resources.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional challenges.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for continuing education and professional development.
• Community Engagement: Opportunities to participate in community service and volunteer activities.
• Recognition Programs: Employee recognition programs to celebrate achievements and milestones.