Karen Rafferty
Papers
4
Total Citations
44
H-Index
4
About
Dr. Karen Rafferty is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction and haptic feedback systems, with a focus on making robotic control more intuitive and accessible. Her work spans gesture-based control, virtual reality (VR) haptics, and surgical robotics. In her highly cited 2016 paper, she pioneered the use of the Leap Motion controller for real-time, six-degree-of-freedom control of dual-arm robots, offering a more natural alternative to traditional joysticks. She has also advanced tactile feedback in VR, as demonstrated in her 2019 study on large-scale multi-sensory integration, and developed interactive force-sensing systems for remote laparoscopic surgery, incorporating quantum tunnelling composite sensors to provide realistic haptic feedback. Her innovative "HapticVive" system merges the HTC Vive headset with a Baxter robot to deliver point-contact haptic encounters, bridging the gap between visual immersion and physical touch. With over 44 citations across her key works, Rafferty’s contributions are shaping the future of teleoperation, surgical robotics, and immersive VR, offering practical solutions that enhance precision, safety, and user experience in complex environments.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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