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About

Liz Rincon is a prominent researcher in human-robot interaction (HRI), social robotics, and affective computing, whose work bridges cutting-edge engineering with deeply human-centered design principles. Her research explores how robots can meaningfully integrate into everyday environments — from classrooms to family homes — by developing systems capable of sensing, interpreting, and responding to human emotions, intentions, and behaviors. Among her most recognized contributions is her work on social robots that detect and improve student engagement, offering a vision of AI-assisted education where robots provide personalized affective support alongside human teachers. Her 2022 study on Yōkobo, a companion robject designed for newly retired couples, demonstrates her distinctive capacity to address nuanced social dynamics through thoughtful robot design. Rincon has also made significant technical advances in deep learning-based intention recognition, adaptive fuzzy control for expressive robot motion, and multi-modal visual-tactile sensing for crack detection — showcasing impressive breadth across both social and industrial robotics. With over 110 cumulative citations across her top works, Rincon's research reflects a rare integration of designerly thinking, advanced control systems, and human-centered robotics — making her an influential voice in shaping how robots will coexist with humans in Society 5.0.