Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Torsten Kuhlen is a leading researcher at the intersection of virtual reality (VR), human-robot interaction (HRI), and artificial intelligence for production. His work focuses on creating intuitive, immersive interfaces that bridge the gap between humans and complex technical systems. Kuhlen’s major contributions include pioneering evaluations of physics engines for VR assembly simulations—a foundational study that has garnered 43 citations and guided the development of realistic training environments for on-orbit servicing. He has also advanced the design of hybrid user interfaces for multi-robot teams, addressing the real-world challenge of coordinating heterogeneous robots with multiple stakeholders. Notably, his 2023 work on turn-taking in embodied conversational agents explores how AI can decode human conversational cues for more natural interactions. Kuhlen’s research on “Actionable Artificial Intelligence for the Future of Production” is part of the Internet of Production (IoP) initiative, which aims to standardize inter-company communication and enhance safety in human-robot collaboration. With a growing citation impact and a focus on real-world deployment, Kuhlen is shaping how humans and machines collaborate in complex, unstructured environments.