William Keddy-Hector

Papers

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About

William Keddy-Hector is a roboticist whose work centers on assistive robotics, human-robot interaction, and user-centered design for individuals with mobility impairments. His most notable contribution is the development of the "Jamster" system, a mobile dual-arm assistive robot controlled via the Jamboxx—a hands-free, mouth-operated interface. This work, published in 2014 and cited 17 times, challenges the prevailing trend toward fully autonomous assistive robots by instead empowering users with manual, real-time control over manipulation tasks. Keddy-Hector’s approach prioritizes user agency and accessibility, demonstrating that effective assistive technology need not sacrifice human involvement for automation. By bridging engineering and rehabilitation, his research highlights the importance of intuitive, low-cost interfaces in expanding independence for people with disabilities. Though his citation count is modest, the conceptual impact of his work resonates in discussions of human-centered robotics. Keddy-Hector’s contributions serve as a valuable reminder that the most profound assistive technologies are those that place control firmly in the hands—or breath—of the user.