Marisa Lu

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About

Marisa Lu explores the frontier where artificial intelligence meets physical embodiment, focusing on human-computer interaction and affective computing. Her groundbreaking work "Emoto" (2019, 5 citations) introduces the revolutionary concept of the "Phone as an Emotive AI sidekick," where a multi-axis actuated robotic charging stand serves as a physical body for the AI residing in our smartphones. This pioneering research reimagines how digital assistants can communicate through tangible, expressive movements rather than just screens and speakers. Lu's contributions fundamentally challenge our understanding of AI presence, demonstrating how robotic platforms can embody digital entities to create more intuitive, emotionally resonant interactions. Her work sits at the intersection of robotics, user experience design, and artificial emotional intelligence, offering a glimpse into a future where our devices don't just respond—they reach out, gesture, and connect with us on a human level. Though early in her career, Lu's innovative approach to giving AI a physical presence has already sparked important conversations about the future of human-machine relationships and the design of empathetic technology.