Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Rob Gorbet’s research bridges robotics, artificial intelligence, and the arts, with a focus on creating machines that move expressively and engage humans naturally. His major contributions span three interconnected areas: affective movement generation, shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators, and curiosity-driven interactive systems. His widely cited survey on body movements for affective expression (217 citations) established a foundational framework for recognizing and generating emotional gestures in robots and virtual agents. In robotics hardware, Gorbet pioneered techniques to improve SMA actuator response speed (70 citations), enabling more lifelike motion in soft robotic fingers and pneumatic systems. He also advanced machine learning for partially observable environments (76 citations) and developed curiosity-based learning algorithms (18 citations) for distributed interactive sculptures that adapt to human engagement. Notably, his work on Laban Movement Analysis for affective robot motion (46 citations) has influenced both social robotics and interactive art. Beyond technical innovation, Gorbet’s recent research on using robotics to support STEM education (9 citations) demonstrates his commitment to translating complex ideas into practical learning tools. His interdisciplinary approach—combining deep reinforcement learning, soft robotics, and artistic expression—has shaped how researchers design robots that feel alive and responsive.