Faiza Sikandar

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Faiza Sikandar is a researcher at the forefront of human-robot interaction and autonomous systems, with a particular focus on socially assistive robotics for public health and everyday convenience. Her most cited work, "Optimal Trajectories for Autonomous Human-Following Carts with Gesture-Based Contactless Positioning Suggestions" (2021, 5 citations), addresses a timely challenge: redesigning shopping carts as autonomous, human-following robots to minimize physical contact during global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. By integrating gesture-based control and optimal trajectory planning, Sikandar’s framework enables contactless positioning, allowing users to guide robots without touch—a contribution that bridges robotics, public health, and user-centered design. Her research mirrors broader efforts in autonomous navigation and human-aware path planning, yet stands out for its practical application in retail environments. Though early in her career, Sikandar’s work demonstrates significant potential to reshape how autonomous systems support daily tasks, emphasizing safety, accessibility, and intuitive interaction. Her contributions offer a compelling vision for robots that not only follow but also anticipate human needs, making her a rising voice in the field of assistive robotics.