D Hordern

About

D. Hordern is a robotics researcher whose work centers on human-robot interaction (HRI), sensor systems, and autonomous perception. His most influential contribution is a capacitive sensor system for object ranging and material type identification (2008, 41 citations), which demonstrates a novel approach to tactile sensing for robots. Hordern also developed RobotAssist (2010, 15 citations), a modular robotic platform designed to facilitate HRI research and support entry into the RoboCup@Home competition. This platform’s component-based software framework enables operating system-independent integration, making it a versatile tool for studying human-aware robot behavior. In the area of perception, Hordern contributed a robust method for people detection using 3-D range data and shape matching (2010, 8 citations), which allows robots to locate humans and extract contextual information like gestures and gaze. This work is critical for enabling socially aware navigation and interaction. With a career focused on bridging sensing, autonomy, and human-centered design, Hordern’s research has laid groundwork for more intuitive and capable service robots.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Capacitive sensor for object ranging and material type identification

   41 citations · 2008
2. 2
   RobotAssist - A platform for human robot interaction research

   15 citations · 2010
3. 3
   Robust and efficient people detection with 3-D range data using shape matching

   8 citations · 2010

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links