About the lab
The AIR lab is part of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Turin, Italy
Dedicated to advancing intelligent interaction technologies, our primary objective is to leverage innovative forms of interaction to assist users, particularly those with disabilities.
Our research focuses on various domains, including human-computer interaction (HCI), human-robot interaction (HRI), and advanced interaction methods such as Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), touchless interaction, and multimodal interaction.
key initiatives
Educational robotics
Our lab supports educational robotics activities, as, for instance, Bambini e Bambine: un giorno all’università (Girls and boys: one day at university) events promoted by the City
of Turin together with the University of Turin.
In 2024 one research fellow and one student fellow, sponsored by the Department of Computer Science, welcomed more than 50 school classes to our department for a lesson in educational robotics.
The two fellows and the NAO robot are from our lab!
Our Projects
Get a glimpse of all the ongoing and completed projects of AIR Lab here.
FeelGood!
A multidisciplinary project of Robot Assisted Therapy for autistic children, aiming the improvement of little patient’s access to healthcare specialists.
This project uses social robots, games, and video modeling to empower autistic kids, improving communication, self-advocacy, and comfort during specialist appointments while tracking therapeutic outcomes.
TalKidz
A predictive AI-powered software for early diagnosis of language disorders in preschool children.
This project focuses on developing and validating a software platform to analyze speech in children aged 3.6 to 6.5 years. Using AI and custom-designed images, TalKidz aims to automate speech analysis, identify errors, and provide personalized recommendations for therapy.
don’t cHRI
How would the user react to an empathetic robot?
To address this question, the team implemented strategies in the social robot Pepper to mimic empathy during conversations with adult students. The results produced were particularly intriguing and provided valuable insights into human behavior when interacting with empathetic robotics.
Sugar, Salt & Pepper
Social robot for practical, emotional and social skill building in autism therapies.
Can a humanoid robot improve communication, social skills, and emotional recognition in autistic kids with low support needs? Using adaptive and motivating activities, Pepper supports their development and autonomy.
Wolly
Innovating social robotics to enhance human interaction and learning.
Wolly is designed to explore how robotic companions can improve social interaction and learning experiences. The project focuses on integrating Wolly into educational and therapeutic contexts to create meaningful and effective interactions.
BCIpar4SLA
Advancing communication for ALS patients through Brain-Computer Interfaces.
This project develops a platform that uses brain-computer interfaces and pupillary response to help ALS patients communicate. By combining wearable sensors with adaptive algorithms, the platform enables seamless interaction with digital devices.
BciAi4Sla
Bridging brain activity and digital environments for ALS patients.
BciAi4Sla focuses on creating an accessible communication system for ALS patients by connecting brain signals to devices like smartphones and robots. The project combines BCI technology and wearable sensors to improve usability and quality of life.
