trojan news
Robots! Sometimes you need a helping hand—and it doesn’t have to be a human one. Robot aides can tackle lots of useful tasks. They can assist a patient recovering from illness.They can help children with autism adjust to social situations, too. Across USC, students and researchers are teaming up to test out these benevolent bots. “We want these robots to make the person happier, more capable and better able to help themselves,” says Maja Matarić, the Chan Soon-Shiong Chair and Distinguished Professor of Computer Science, Neuroscience and Pediatrics at USC. “We also want them to help teachers and therapists, not remove their purpose.” Here are some of our favorite next-generation helpers, all designed to make our lives safer, easier and more joyful. ERIC LINDBERG
Dynamic droids are ready to assist humans—and they come in some surprising forms.
SOFT SKILLS
For people with anxiety and depression, a cuddly companion can be invaluable— especially when it helps them practice breathing exercises and mindfulness. A robot called Blossom, designed at Cornell University, might soon offer support to USC students. “We’ll give the robot a bunch of tools to try with the user and see what they like and what works,” Matarić says. “This could be a really versatile and supportive buddy.”
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CRAWLY CRITTERS
Inspired by starfish and octopi, these flexible robots could one day navigate unusual and inhospitable environments. Their creators envision sending the droids to inspect structures in space, search disaster sites and monitor hazardous materials.
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usc trojan family
Autumn 2021
