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About

Reid Holmes is a researcher whose work sits at the intersection of end-user programming, human-robot interaction, and software engineering education. His research focuses primarily on making industrial robot programming accessible to non-expert users through block-based programming environments — a challenge with significant real-world implications given the growing demand for robot programmers in manufacturing and industry. Holmes's most cited work (17 citations) compares block-based programming models for two-armed robots, addressing the critical shortage of expert robot programmers by exploring tools that empower everyday workers. This theme carries throughout his research portfolio: his subsequent studies investigate how guided decomposition strategies can help end-users write larger, more complex programs, and how interactive tutorials can effectively train industrial workers with little to no programming background. A notable contribution is his development of Duplo, a block-based programming environment designed specifically for two-armed industrial robots, representing a meaningful step toward practical, usable tools for real workplace environments. His work collectively demonstrates that thoughtfully designed programming interfaces can democratize robotics programming, reducing reliance on scarce specialists. With publications spanning 2020–2024 and growing citation impact, Holmes is establishing himself as a meaningful voice in accessible programming and human-centered robotics research.