Harish Kumar Balaji

Program: MEng in Autonomy and Robotics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Passions: Robotics, autonomous systems, and assistive technologies that enhance human-robot interaction and accessibility.

Work at LIFE Home: Harish is currently working on assistive robotics research, focusing on improving the accessibility of the Stretch robot for individuals with mobility and speech impairments. His work includes developing hands-free intuitive interfaces, investigating robot autonomy to maintain user self-efficacy, and evaluating trust and acceptance in assistive robotics.

Future Goals: Harish aim to contribute to the advancement of intelligent robotic systems that assist individuals in their daily lives. He is particularly interested in applying robotics in healthcare and accessibility-focused domains, ensuring technology empowers people in meaningful ways.

If you’d like to see more of Harish, check out his digital card here!