USC professor pioneers socially assistive robotics

Maja Matari'c, a professor at the University of Southern California, is a leading figure in the field of socially assistive robotics. She pioneered the area in 2005, developing robots designed to provide therapy and care through social interaction, capable of conversation, games, and emotional response. Her current research focuses on using robots like Blossom to help students with anxiety and depression practice cognitive behavioral therapy, showing greater effectiveness than chatbots in preliminary studies. Matari'c's work also extends to aiding children with autism spectrum disorder and elderly individuals, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging robotics for improved human well-being and mental health support.