Sarah Degallier Rochat

Prof. Dr. Sarah Degallier Rochat serves as Head of Humane Digital Transformation at Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH), where she is a Professor in the Department of Technology and Computer Science. She is affiliated with the Institute for Human Centered Engineering (HuCE) and specifically works within the Laboratory for Computer Perception and Virtual Reality. Her research spans multiple institutional collaborations including the Institute for Data Applications and Security (IDAS) at BFH and partnerships with the University of Fribourg on experimental studies.

Professor Degallier Rochat's research focuses on human-robot interaction, collaborative robotics, and humane digital transformation. She challenges the notion of complete human replacement by technology, advocating instead for human augmentation where technology empowers rather than mechanizes workers. Her work examines how humans and robots can work together effectively in industrial settings, with particular emphasis on developing intuitive interfaces for robot programming that promote digital skills acquisition among workers through experiential learning rather than symbolic cognition.

Her research has evolved from foundational work in motor primitives for humanoid robots to current applications in industrial settings. She investigates the human factors involved in digital transformation, with special attention to workers with intermediate and lower levels of education who are often overlooked in digital skills training. Her approach emphasizes embodied cognition and work experience as foundations for developing effective human-machine interfaces that leverage existing worker knowledge.

• Human augmentation through collaborative robotics
• Intuitive robot programming interfaces (visual programming)
• Digital skills development for industrial workers
• Human-centered approaches to digital transformation
• Ethical considerations in human-robot collaboration
• Workplace adaptation to new technologies

Professor Degallier Rochat has secured funding from diverse sources including Innosuisse, the Gerbert Rüf Foundation, and SNF. With support from the Gerbert Rüf Foundation's First Venture program, she co-founded a spin-off company aimed at making automation profitable for SMEs through employee training. Her research demonstrates significant practical impact, with interface designs tested across 116 participants showing positive effects on programming anxiety and usability.

Her laboratory develops practical solutions for human-robot collaboration in manufacturing environments, creating interfaces that workers can use without extensive technical training. Through numerous publications, conference presentations, and media engagements, she actively contributes to the discourse on ethical and human-centered technological development in industry.