People

Zane Hartley is a Research Fellow in the School of Computer Science at the University of Nottingham, contributing to the Somabotics project. His research background encompasses computer vision and generative AI, with a focus on agricultural applications, including 3D plant phenotyping and the development of synthetic data using diffusion models. Following his PhD, he has continued his research funded by Syngenta and was awarded the EPSRC Doctoral Prize in 2024.

Sachiyo is a Research Fellow at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Mental Health & Technology and the School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham. Sachiyo's research focuses on two distinct but related research areas in Digital Mental Health (DMH). The first examines how digital technologies can improve children's and young people's mental health and wellbeing through co-produced interventions such as animations and methods such as Soma Design. The second explores how digital mental health interventions can be developed, produced, implemented and evaluated responsibly using the Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) approach. As part of Somabotics, Sachiyo is interested in how robots can improve people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Kieran explores the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and human experience through his work on interactive systems and embodied AI. His research combines expertise in on-device AI, tangible interfaces, and human-computer interaction to create meaningful physical experiences. Previously, Kieran worked on the 5G Connected Forest project at Nottingham Trent University, developing mobile interactive experiences that combined AI and IoT technologies to enhance visitor engagement. His PhD research focused on developing tangible interfaces for mental wellbeing recognition using novel deep learning approaches. With experience in multidisciplinary research and a track record of deploying real-world AI solutions, Kieran is passionate about creating technology that enhances human experiences through the integration of AI with physical interaction.

Andriana is an HCI researcher at the Mixed Reality Lab. She completed her PhD at the University of Nottingham, during which she examined the use and deployment of Mobile Robotic Telepresence technologies for organisational settings. She has experience in research relating to communication technologies, interaction with autonomous agents, workplace technologies and human-robot interaction. She is particularly interested in how automation affects the ways we communicate through technology. As part of Somabotics, she is exploring the use of taxonomies and frameworks in HCI.

My research interests are based in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) with a particular focus on interdisciplinary approaches to Human-Centred Design (HCD). As part of Somabotics, I will be working closely with Steve to develop novel and innovative methodologies and approaches to understand the intersection of Embodied AI, Robotics, Art, Design and People. As part of this we aim to continue our groundbreaking research collaborations with artists which will enable us to creatively explore embodied AI. We will develop a community relating to embodied AI, the Arts and Humanities, and Music. The project will allow us to explore interdisciplinary approaches to embodiment which will enable us to reflect on research areas such as pain, creativity, values, beliefs, and intimacy. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to expand upon my own research and practice in this area. Dr Alan Chamberlain is a Principal Research Fellow in the School of Computer Science and an Honourable Fellow in the Music Department (University of Nottingham). He is a Visiting Professor at Copenhagen Business School, and Aberystwyth University. He is the Creative Industries Sector Lead on the UKRI TAS Hub (£11.7 million), a Principal Research Fellow on RAI UK (£35 million, UKRI) and a Co-Investigator on the REC-HURDLEs project: Revisiting Employment Contracts and Help for Under-represented Researcher groups to Develop, Lead and Excel (£1 million, Wellcome Trust). Contact: Alan.Chamberlain @ Nottingham.ac.uk

Simon is working in the University of Nottingham’ Cobot Maker Space and the School of Computer Science. Within his role, he works alongside academics supporting Robotic related teaching and research activities. Research interests include utilising smart-sensing devices for rehabilitation, robotic teleoperation, and mobile robotics.

Richard is known for his work at the intersection of adaptive storytelling, AI, and interactive media. His practice explores innovative ways to engage audiences through emerging technologies, often focusing on the relationships between human perception, agency, and narrative flow. With a background that spans film, neurocinematics, and interactive systems, Richard combines rigorous academic research with immersive artistic projects that push the boundaries of digital storytelling. He is particularly interested in the evolving dynamics between human and machine collaborators.

Rachel is studying the intersection of design, ethics, and autonomous technologies. Her current research focuses on the felt and embodied practice of ethics within soma design, research through design and performance-led research approaches, as well as physical or proximate interactions with autonomous technologies such as machines, robots and aerial drones. During her PhD, she has developed theoretical tools and concepts for the qualitative analysis of ethical practice, and authored award-winning research papers for top-tier human-computer interaction venues such as ACM CHI and DIS. Rachael’s work combines analytic creativity, critical feminist perspectives, and qualitative research methods to construct new ways of understanding our relationships with intelligent technologies and how we can reimagine the ways that humans and technologies share our world. She is currently completing her PhD at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm.

Armed with a PhD in Computer Science with a specialization in additive manufacturing, Feng’s work seamlessly integrates the realms of academic research and applied technology across disciplines such as robotics and generative design. Beyond industrial applications, his collaborations with artists and architects have gained exhibition exposure, while his initiatives in HCI and HRI break new ground.

Angela's research explores the lived experiences of older adults to imagine future robotic technologies that physically engage with the body. Drawing on her expertise as a product designer, she employs creative and embodied participatory design methods to co-create devices that are not only functional and useful but also desirable. She imagines a future where technology integrates effortlessly into our lives and bodies, developing robots that enhance health and well-being.