Srini Janarthanam

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About

Srini Janarthanam is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction and affective computing, with a focus on designing socially intelligent agents that enhance learning and engagement. His work explores how virtual and robotic tutors can leverage memory and emotional feedback to create more natural, empathetic interactions. In his highly cited 2016 study, "I Remember You!: Interaction with Memory for an Empathic Virtual Robotic Tutor" (22 citations), Janarthanam demonstrated that incorporating memory into a virtual tutor’s behavior significantly improved children’s pedagogical outcomes and perceived likeability, establishing a foundation for personalized educational agents. Earlier, in his 2014 work on "Affective Feedback for a Virtual Robot in a Real-World Treasure Hunt" (6 citations), he showed that affective feedback from a virtual robot on a tablet could enhance children’s engagement during a real-world activity, outperforming neutral or paper-based conditions. Janarthanam’s contributions bridge the gap between cognitive architectures and practical applications, advancing our understanding of how memory and emotion shape human-robot relationships. His research continues to influence the design of adaptive, empathetic technologies for education and beyond.