معرفی
Thomas Hellström is a Professor at the Department of Computing Science at Umeå University and is also affiliated as a professor at the Centre for Transdiciplinary AI. He leads the Intelligent Robotics group, focusing on the application of artificial intelligence for developing robots for social and industrial applications, with a particular emphasis on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI). His research spans multiple domains including social robotics, field robotics, and robot ethics.
Hellström's research interests center around making robots more understandable and effective in human environments. His work in Human-Robot Interaction explores how robots can communicate their intentions and actions clearly to humans, while his field robotics research focuses on unmanned forest vehicles and agricultural robotics. He has made significant contributions to robot ethics, particularly regarding military applications of robotics, and has published extensively on bias in machine learning. His approach combines theoretical frameworks with practical implementations, often resulting in tangible robotics systems.
The analysis of Hellström's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on making robotic systems more transparent, understandable, and socially competent. His work increasingly integrates multiple modalities of interaction, combines cognitive models with practical robotics, and addresses the ethical implications of deploying AI systems in real-world contexts. There's a clear trajectory toward more sophisticated human-robot collaboration frameworks that respect social norms while maintaining technical effectiveness.
Hellström has successfully supervised numerous PhD students including Michele Persiani, Ahmad Ostovar, Benjamin Fonooni, Mostafa Pordel, and Ola Ringdahl, while also serving as co-supervisor for several others. His research has been generously funded through multiple EU projects including INTRO (2010-2014), SOCRATES (2016-2020), CROPS, and SWEEPER, along with grants from Vetenskapsrådet, VINNOVA, and various foundations.
At Umeå University, Hellström leads the Intelligent Robotics group which maintains strong connections with both academic and industrial partners. The group has developed notable systems including an intelligent rollator for stroke patients and harvesting robots for agricultural applications. Their work often bridges theoretical AI research with practical implementations in real-world environments, particularly in healthcare and agriculture.
