Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Steven Lawrence is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of affective computing, social robotics, and the Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT), with a focused mission to enhance the quality of life for older adults. His work centers on making companion robots more empathetic and effective through edge-based augmented reality and real-time emotion recognition. Lawrence’s major contributions include developing a novel deep convolutional neural network that uses age augmentation to improve facial emotion recognition (FER) for seniors—a demographic often overlooked in standard FER datasets. This innovation addresses a critical gap, as most training data excludes adults over fifty, who are the primary users in long-term care. His research on social embodiment in smart spaces demonstrates how IoRT can support independent living, with his most-cited paper, “Augmented Reality and Affective Computing on the Edge Makes Social Robots Better Companions for Older Adults” (12 citations), laying the groundwork for more responsive, human-like robotic interactions. Though his citation counts are modest, Lawrence’s work is highly targeted and impactful, directly tackling real-world challenges in aging populations. His achievements highlight a commitment to inclusive, applied AI that prioritizes dignity and emotional well-being for society’s most vulnerable.