Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Hazel M Taylor is a leading voice at the intersection of robotics, public engagement, and trustworthy AI, with a particular focus on deploying autonomous systems in hazardous environments. Her work critically examines both the technical and social dimensions of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (RAI), arguing that effective public engagement is essential for the acceptance, regulation, and funding of these technologies. Taylor’s research demonstrates that public perceptions of RAI are often negative or inaccurate, and she advocates for bridging this gap through transparent communication. Technically, she has introduced a scalable, modular control framework for low-cost monocular robots designed for dangerous settings, such as nuclear facilities, aiming to reduce human risk. Her more recent work pioneers explainable autonomy, exploring how AI systems in high-stakes environments should justify their decisions—not just technically, but in ways that align with human reasoning. Through interview studies and abstract architectural proposals, Taylor is shaping how we build ethically grounded, trustworthy robots for the most challenging contexts. With over 28 citations across her key publications, her contributions are foundational for researchers and practitioners working on safe, accepted, and explainable robotics in the danger zone.