Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Michal Luria is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-robot interaction (HRI), social robotics, and interaction design, whose work has fundamentally shaped how we think about robots as social and domestic companions. Best known for designing empathy-evoking robotic systems, Luria created Kip1, a peripheral conversation companion intended to promote behavioral awareness, and Vyo, a social robot bridging the gap between smart-home device and expressive agent — work that has collectively garnered hundreds of citations and influenced the field of domestic robotics. Luria's highly cited comparison of social robot, screen, and voice interfaces for smart-home control (134 citations) established critical benchmarks for evaluating emerging home technologies. Her theoretical contributions are equally significant: her work on re-embodiment and co-embodiment (112 citations) challenged conventional assumptions about robots being bound to single physical forms, opening new design possibilities for multi-agent systems. Beyond functionality, Luria provocatively explores robots' emotional and non-utilitarian dimensions — examining destruction and catharsis in HRI, questioning metaphors of robotic perfection, and co-designing assistive communication sidekicks for underserved populations. Her consistent application of Research through Design methodologies has made her a leading voice in bridging rigorous design practice with HRI scholarship.