Rachael Burns

Ph.D. Student

Haptic Intelligence

Stuttgart

+49 711 689-2002

Rachael Burns (née Bevill) joined the Haptic Intelligence Department in 2017 as a Whitaker International Fellow. Now as a Ph.D student, she continues to develop her current project, a Haptic Empathetic Robot Animal for Children with Autism.

Rachael earned her BSc and MSc degrees in Biomedical Engineering at the George Washington University in 2015 and 2017, respectively. Her research centers on socially assistive robotics, a subset of human-robot interaction, and is further shaped by her interest in medical device accessibility and regulatory law.

Rachael conducted her graduate research with Dr. Chung Hyuk Park in the Assistive Robotics and Telemedicine (ART-Med) Lab at GW. As an undergraduate, she studied 3D-bioprinting with Dr. Lijie Grace Zhang in the GW Bioengineering Laboratory for Nanomedicine and Tissue Engineering.

Rachael is an active member of the MPI Stuttgart campus as a PhD representative, an event coordinator for the IMPRS-IS Soft Skills Seminar Series (S4), and a member of the Athena Group, a network promoting women in STEM.

Invited Talks

In April 2019, Rachael gave two invited talks at the FIRST Robotics Championship in Houston, Texas.

Her first talk, entitled "My friend, the robot: An introduction to human-robot interaction", was attended by roughly 30 highschoolers and their robotics team mentors.
Her second talk, "Baymax in real life: An introduction to socially-assistive robotics", hosted a full audience of roughly 80 attendees.

Social Media

A post featuring Rachael's work sewing a sensor suit for HERA was shared on the MPI-IS Facebook page in November 2018.

Online Articles

"RO-MAN 2016: Robots as furniture builders and caretakers". August, 2016. In German.

This article highlights talks given at the 2016 Workshop on Behavior Adaptation, Interaction and Learning for Assistive Robotics (BAILAR) at Columbia University in New York. Rachael presented her research studying the impacts of music, imitative play, and robots on children with autism.

The Pelton Competition for Outstanding Senior Project: Rachael's team received 3rd place out of the senior student body for their work. An article from the 2016 Edition of GW Synergy describes the competition in greater detail (article can be found on magazine page 17).

Recognitions

Congressman Frank Guinta of New Hampshire commended Rachael during a U.S. House general session in 2015. Video and transcript versions (center-top of first page) available.

Smart with Heart: The Human Face of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

A program produced in March 2017 by the Arirang TV documentary series, Arirang Special. This episode highlights the work being done by researchers across the globe to improve quality of life using robotics and assistive technology. Rachael and her colleagues at the ART-Med lab are featured beginning 6:52 minutes in.

The Pelton Competition for Outstanding Senior Project

A fifteen minute business-pitch from Rachael and her teammates explaining their undergraduate capstone project. The group's presentation begins at 13:15. Rachael's team received 3rd place out of the entire engineering senior class for their work on an improved communication device for special needs users.

Congressman Frank Guinta recognizes Rachael Bevill

Congressman Frank Guinta of New Hampshire commends Rachael for her leadership and biomedical engineering focus during a U.S. House general session. As the 2015 New Hampshire Cherry Blossom Princess, Rachael served as a goodwill ambassador in Washington DC, meeting with international ambassadors and elected officials. Studying engineering in DC inspired Rachael to pursue research with both disability advocacy and regulatory law in mind.

Haptic Empathetic Robot Animal (HERA)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex condition that impacts many systems in the body, from neurological aspects to physical comorbidities. Children with autism often endu...

Rachael Burns Katherine J. Kuchenbecker

11 results (View BibTeX file of all listed publications)

2018

Designing a Haptic Empathetic Robot Animal for Children with Autism

Burns, R., Kuchenbecker, K. J.

Workshop paper (4 pages) presented at the RSS Workshop on Robot-Mediated Autism Intervention: Hardware, Software and Curriculum, Pittsburgh, USA, June 2018 (misc)

Abstract

Children with autism often endure sensory overload, may be nonverbal, and have difficulty understanding and relaying emotions. These experiences result in heightened stress during social interaction. Animal-assisted intervention has been found to improve the behavior of children with autism during social interaction, but live animal companions are not always feasible. We are thus in the process of designing a robotic animal to mimic some successful characteristics of animal-assisted intervention while trying to improve on others. The over-arching hypothesis of this research is that an appropriately designed robot animal can reduce stress in children with autism and empower them to engage in social interaction.

link (url) Project Page [BibTex]

2018

hi Burns, R., Kuchenbecker, K. J. Designing a Haptic Empathetic Robot Animal for Children with Autism Workshop paper (4 pages) presented at the RSS Workshop on Robot-Mediated Autism Intervention: Hardware, Software and Curriculum, Pittsburgh, USA, June 2018 (misc)

link (url) Project Page [BibTex]

Robotic Motion Learning Framework to Promote Social Engagement

Burns, R., Jeon, M., Park, C. H.

Applied Sciences, 8(2):241, Febuary 2018, Special Issue "Social Robotics" (article)

Abstract

Imitation is a powerful component of communication between people, and it poses an important implication in improving the quality of interaction in the field of human–robot interaction (HRI). This paper discusses a novel framework designed to improve human–robot interaction through robotic imitation of a participant’s gestures. In our experiment, a humanoid robotic agent socializes with and plays games with a participant. For the experimental group, the robot additionally imitates one of the participant’s novel gestures during a play session. We hypothesize that the robot’s use of imitation will increase the participant’s openness towards engaging with the robot. Experimental results from a user study of 12 subjects show that post-imitation, experimental subjects displayed a more positive emotional state, had higher instances of mood contagion towards the robot, and interpreted the robot to have a higher level of autonomy than their control group counterparts did. These results point to an increased participant interest in engagement fueled by personalized imitation during interaction.

link (url) DOI [BibTex]

hi Burns, R., Jeon, M., Park, C. H. Robotic Motion Learning Framework to Promote Social Engagement Applied Sciences, 8(2):241, Febuary 2018, Special Issue "Social Robotics" (article)

link (url) DOI [BibTex]

2017

A Robotic Framework to Overcome Sensory Overload in Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Pilot Study

Javed, H., Burns, R., Jeon, M., Howard, A., Park, C. H.

In International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) 2017, International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, September 2017 (inproceedings)

Abstract

This paper discusses a novel framework designed to provide sensory stimulation to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The set up consists of multi-sensory stations to stimulate visual/auditory/olfactory/gustatory/tactile/vestibular senses, together with a robotic agent that navigates through each station responding to the different stimuli. We hypothesize that the robot’s responses will help children learn acceptable ways to respond to stimuli that might otherwise trigger sensory overload. Preliminary results from a pilot study conducted to examine the effectiveness of such a setup were encouraging and are described briefly in this text.

[BibTex]

2017

hi Javed, H., Burns, R., Jeon, M., Howard, A., Park, C. H. A Robotic Framework to Overcome Sensory Overload in Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Pilot Study In International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) 2017, International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, September 2017 (inproceedings)

[BibTex]

An Interactive Robotic System for Promoting Social Engagement

Burns, R., Javed, H., Jeon, M., Howard, A., Park, C. H.

In International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) 2017, International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, September 2017 (inproceedings)

Abstract

This abstract (and poster) is a condensed version of Burns' Master's thesis and related journal article. It discusses the use of imitation via robotic motion learning to improve human-robot interaction. It focuses on the preliminary results from a pilot study of 12 subjects. We hypothesized that the robot's use of imitation will increase the user's openness towards engaging with the robot. Post-imitation, experimental subjects displayed a more positive emotional state, had higher instances of mood contagion towards the robot, and interpreted the robot to have a higher level of autonomy than their control group counterparts. These results point to an increased user interest in engagement fueled by personalized imitation during interaction.

[BibTex]

hi Burns, R., Javed, H., Jeon, M., Howard, A., Park, C. H. An Interactive Robotic System for Promoting Social Engagement In International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) 2017, International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, September 2017 (inproceedings)

[BibTex]

Robotic Motion Learning Framework to Promote Social Engagement

Burns, R.

The George Washington University, August 2017 (mastersthesis)

Abstract

This paper discusses a novel framework designed to increase human-robot interaction through robotic imitation of the user's gestures. The set up consists of a humanoid robotic agent that socializes with and play games with the user. For the experimental group, the robot also imitates one of the user's novel gestures during a play session. We hypothesize that the robot's use of imitation will increase the user's openness towards engaging with the robot. Preliminary results from a pilot study of 12 subjects are promising in that post-imitation, experimental subjects displayed a more positive emotional state, had higher instances of mood contagion towards the robot, and interpreted the robot to have a higher level of autonomy than their control group counterparts. These results point to an increased user interest in engagement fueled by personalized imitation during interaction.

link (url) [BibTex]

hi Burns, R. Robotic Motion Learning Framework to Promote Social Engagement The George Washington University, August 2017 (mastersthesis)

link (url) [BibTex]

Robot Therapist for Assisting in At-Home Rehabilitation of Shoulder Surgery Patients

(Recipient of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Prize)

Burns, R., Alborz, M., Chalup, Z., Downen, S., Genuino, K., Nayback, C., Nesbitt, N., Park, C. H.

In 2017 GW Research Days, Department of Biomedical Engineering Posters and Presentations, April 2017 (inproceedings)

Abstract

The number of middle-aged to elderly patients receiving shoulder surgery is increasing. However, statistically, very few of these patients perform the necessary at-home physical therapy regimen they are prescribed post-surgery. This results in longer recovery times and/or incomplete healing. We propose the use of a robotic therapist, with customized training and encouragement regimens, to increase physical therapy adherence and improve the patient’s recovery experience.

link (url) [BibTex]

hi Burns, R., Alborz, M., Chalup, Z., Downen, S., Genuino, K., Nayback, C., Nesbitt, N., Park, C. H. Robot Therapist for Assisting in At-Home Rehabilitation of Shoulder Surgery Patients In 2017 GW Research Days, Department of Biomedical Engineering Posters and Presentations, April 2017 (inproceedings)

link (url) [BibTex]

Motion Learning for Emotional Interaction and Imitation of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

(First place tie in category, "Biomedical Engineering, Graduate Research")

Burns, R., Cowin, S.

In 2017 GW Research Days, Department of Biomedical Engineering Posters and Presentations, April 2017 (inproceedings)

Abstract

We aim to use motion learning to teach a robot to imitate people's unique gestures. Our robot, ROBOTIS-OP2, can ultimately use imitation to practice social skills with children with autism. In this abstract, two methods of motion learning were compared: Dynamic motion primitives with least squares (DMP with WLS), and Dynamic motion primitives with a Gaussian Mixture Regression (DMP with GMR). Movements with sharp turns were most accurately reproduced using DMP with GMR. Additionally, more states are required to accurately recreate more complex gestures.

link (url) [BibTex]

hi Burns, R., Cowin, S. Motion Learning for Emotional Interaction and Imitation of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder In 2017 GW Research Days, Department of Biomedical Engineering Posters and Presentations, April 2017 (inproceedings)

link (url) [BibTex]

2016

Behavioral Analysis Automation for Music-Based Robotic Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Burns, R., Nizambad, S., Park, C. H., Jeon, M., Howard, A.

Workshop paper (5 pages) at the RO-MAN Workshop on Behavior Adaptation, Interaction and Learning for Assistive Robotics, August 2016 (misc)

Abstract

In this full workshop paper, we discuss the positive impacts of robot, music, and imitation therapies on children with autism. We also discuss the use of Laban Motion Analysis (LMA) to identify emotion through movement and posture cues. We present our preliminary studies of the "Five Senses" game that our two robots, Romo the penguin and Darwin Mini, partake in. Using an LMA-focused approach (enabled by our skeletal tracking Kinect algorithm), we find that our participants show increased frequency of movement and speed when the game has a musical accompaniment. Therefore, participants may have increased engagement with our robots and game if music is present. We also begin exploring motion learning for future works.

link (url) [BibTex]

2016

hi Burns, R., Nizambad, S., Park, C. H., Jeon, M., Howard, A. Behavioral Analysis Automation for Music-Based Robotic Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Workshop paper (5 pages) at the RO-MAN Workshop on Behavior Adaptation, Interaction and Learning for Assistive Robotics, August 2016 (misc)

link (url) [BibTex]

Multisensory Robotic Therapy through Motion Capture and Imitation for Children with ASD

Burns, R., Nizambad, S., Park, C. H., Jeon, M., Howard, A.

Proceedings of the ASEE Spring 2016 Middle Atlantic Section Conference, April 2016 (conference)

Abstract

It is known that children with autism have difficulty with emotional communication. As the population of children with autism increases, it is crucial we create effective therapeutic programs that will improve their communication skills. We present an interactive robotic system that delivers emotional and social behaviors for multisensory therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders. Our framework includes emotion-based robotic gestures and facial expressions, as well as tracking and understanding the child’s responses through Kinect motion capture.

link (url) [BibTex]

hi Burns, R., Nizambad, S., Park, C. H., Jeon, M., Howard, A. Multisensory Robotic Therapy through Motion Capture and Imitation for Children with ASD Proceedings of the ASEE Spring 2016 Middle Atlantic Section Conference, April 2016 (conference)

link (url) [BibTex]

Multisensory robotic therapy to promote natural emotional interaction for children with ASD

Burns, R., Azzi, P., Spadafora, M., Park, C. H., Jeon, M., Kim, H. J., Lee, J., Raihan, K., Howard, A.

Proceedings of the Eleventh ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human Robot Interaction (HRI), pages: 571-571, March 2016 (conference)

Abstract

In this video submission, we are introduced to two robots, Romo the penguin and Darwin Mini. We have programmed these robots to perform a variety of emotions through facial expression and body language, respectively. We aim to use these robots with children with autism, to demo safe emotional and social responses in various sensory situations.

link (url) DOI [BibTex]

hi Burns, R., Azzi, P., Spadafora, M., Park, C. H., Jeon, M., Kim, H. J., Lee, J., Raihan, K., Howard, A. Multisensory robotic therapy to promote natural emotional interaction for children with ASD Proceedings of the Eleventh ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human Robot Interaction (HRI), pages: 571-571, March 2016 (conference)

link (url) DOI [BibTex]

Interactive Robotic Framework for Multi-Sensory Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Burns, R., Park, C. H., Kim, H. J., Lee, J., Rennie, A., Jeon, M., Howard, A.

In Proceedings of the Eleventh ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human Robot Interaction (HRI), pages: 421-422, March 2016 (inproceedings)

Abstract

In this abstract, we present the overarching goal of our interactive robotic framework - to teach emotional and social behavior to children with autism spectrum disorders via multi-sensory therapy. We introduce our robot characters, Romo and Darwin Mini, and the "Five Senses" scenario they will undergo. This sensory game will develop the children's interest, and will model safe and appropriate reactions to typical sensory overload stimuli.

link (url) DOI [BibTex]

hi Burns, R., Park, C. H., Kim, H. J., Lee, J., Rennie, A., Jeon, M., Howard, A. Interactive Robotic Framework for Multi-Sensory Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder In Proceedings of the Eleventh ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human Robot Interaction (HRI), pages: 421-422, March 2016 (inproceedings)

link (url) DOI [BibTex]

Rachael Burns

Invited Talks

Social Media

Online Articles

Recognitions

Smart with Heart: The Human Face of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

The Pelton Competition for Outstanding Senior Project

Congressman Frank Guinta recognizes Rachael Bevill

Haptic Empathetic Robot Animal (HERA)

2018

Designing a Haptic Empathetic Robot Animal for Children with Autism

2018

Robotic Motion Learning Framework to Promote Social Engagement

2017

A Robotic Framework to Overcome Sensory Overload in Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Pilot Study

2017

An Interactive Robotic System for Promoting Social Engagement

Robotic Motion Learning Framework to Promote Social Engagement

Robot Therapist for Assisting in At-Home Rehabilitation of Shoulder Surgery Patients

Motion Learning for Emotional Interaction and Imitation of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2016

Behavioral Analysis Automation for Music-Based Robotic Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2016

Multisensory Robotic Therapy through Motion Capture and Imitation for Children with ASD

Multisensory robotic therapy to promote natural emotional interaction for children with ASD

Interactive Robotic Framework for Multi-Sensory Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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