Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Peggy Wu is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction and telepresence, with a focus on advancing avatar systems that enable humans to sense, communicate, and act in remote environments as if physically present. Her most notable contribution is her comprehensive analysis of the ANA Avatar XPRIZE, a landmark four-year global competition that challenged teams to develop robotic avatars operable by untrained judges after minimal instruction. Wu’s work, which has garnered over 30 citations, provides critical insights into the technical and design breakthroughs that emerged from this competition, including innovations in haptic feedback, intuitive control interfaces, and real-time sensory transmission. Her research highlights the transformative potential of avatars for applications ranging from disaster response to healthcare, where physical presence is impossible or dangerous. By documenting the competition’s outcomes and challenges, Wu has helped shape the future of teleoperation and human-robot collaboration. Her contributions are essential reading for students and researchers interested in the intersection of robotics, human factors, and immersive technology, offering a roadmap for making avatar systems accessible, reliable, and impactful in real-world scenarios.