Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Ellen Yi-Luen’s research sits at the intersection of human-computer interaction, robotics, and virtual reality, with a focus on creating responsive, tangible environments that enhance human experience. Her most impactful work, “RoomShift: Room-scale Dynamic Haptics for VR with Furniture-moving Swarm Robots” (117 citations), introduces a groundbreaking system where a swarm of shape-changing robots physically moves furniture to provide real-time haptic feedback in virtual reality, fundamentally redefining immersive interaction. Beyond this, Yi-Luen has made significant contributions to socially assistive robotics, notably through “mediRobbi,” an interactive companion designed to ease pediatric patients’ anxiety during hospital visits, and through her work on teleoperated robot-child interactions that reveal the broader social dynamics at play. She also pioneers accessible robotics education with “PaBo Bot,” making robot building approachable using simple paper boxes, and explores neural signal-informed adaptive systems for human-AI musical collaboration in “BrAIn Jam.” Her research consistently pushes boundaries—whether through dynamic haptics, child-robot interaction, or mixed reality prototyping—earning her recognition for both technical innovation and human-centered design. Yi-Luen’s work demonstrates a rare ability to bridge cutting-edge technology with real-world applications, making her a compelling figure in the future of interactive and assistive robotics.