Katie Kwan's Journey to Human-Centric Robotics

Katie Kwan transitioned from being a professional dancer to a robot choreographer after experiencing her father's struggles with hospital technologies during his recovery. This encounter sparked her interest in the relationship between humans and machines, leading her to pursue advanced education in mechanical engineering and computer science. At Stanford University, she focused on designing robots that would enhance human interactions and emotions, rather than instill fear or anxiety. Kwan emphasizes the importance of designing robots that are not only functional but also evoke feelings of safety and comfort in their human counterparts.