Our Team
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Eunice Njeri Mwangi
I am a Lecturer and Researcher at the Department of Computing, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Kenya, where I lead the Social Robotics Lab Initiative. I received a Joint PhD in Interactive and Cognitive Environments from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Netherlands, and UPC, Spain, in October 2020. My research interests are in the areas of social robotics, human-centered design, and responsible computing. My research focuses on applying human-centered methodologies to design effective social interactions with robots. Over the last nine years, I have extensively researched on the design of social behaviours (verbal and nonverbal) for robots in educational settings, particularly in social training and tutoring roles. I am also part of the organizing committee for the 2025 IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication, IEEE RO-MAN 2025.
Prof. Stephen Kimani
Computer Science Expert | Researcher | Academic | Consultant
Specialization
I am an Associate Professor in Computer Science at JKUAT and the Director of ICT at the university. Previously, I served as the Director/Dean of the School of Computing and Information Technology at JKUAT. My research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction, Information Visualization, Data Analytics, Online Social Networks, and User Modeling. Over the years, I have been involved in ICT projects across Europe, Australia, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, and Rwanda. I have contributed extensively to international journals, conferences, and program committees, shaping the global discourse on technology and innovation.
Margaret Ngugi
MSc. Software Engineer | Senior Technologist
Specialization
My involvement in the Social Robotics Lab has been a transformative journey in my career. Taking on administrative roles and supporting students as they design responsible, socially aware systems has given me incredible insights. Witnessing ideas evolve into tangible prototypes has been deeply fulfilling. I am currently exploring the field of cybersecurity to complement my passion for HCI, aiming to develop innovative solutions that not only protect users but also empower them to interact with technology more confidently and effectively.
POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS
Paul Ndemo
Msc. Software Engineering Student
Specialization
My research at the Social Robotics lab in JKUAT is about using State Transition Graphs (STGs) in coordinating gazes between children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and social robots to help them improve their social interaction skills. Studies in other contexts have explored the use of STGs in coordinating tasks and found them to be effective in reducing complexity and improving task execution efficiency. Hence, his research aims to explore how STGs can be used to coordinate gazes for effective interactions between children with ASD and social robots.
Eric Otieno
Msc. Software Engineering Student
Specialization
My research at the lab focuses on Human Fall Detection using an Ensemble Deep Learning model integrated with a social robot. This research involves developing an ensemble model capable of detecting falls and integrating it with a robot to monitor the elderly and call for assistance whenever a fall is detected. This innovation aims to enhance the quality of life for the elderly by ensuring they receive immediate help in case of a fall.
Caroline Katumbi
Msc. Software Engineering Student
Specialization
At the JKUAT social robotics lab, my focus is on investigating how to design robot behavior while focusing on speech and gaze with the goal of proposing guidelines that can be used to enhance learning among children in a classroom setup. With the increased uptake of social robots in the classroom setup, this research project is aimed at designing acceptable social robots that provide natural and intuitive interactions.
Magret Mumbi
Msc. Software Engineering Student
Specialization
The research I do at the lab aims to assist in speech therapy using social robots for children with autism by integrating Pepper with generative AI and developing a model that provides personalized speech therapeutic activities.
Peter Kabunyi
Msc. Software Engineering Student
Specialization
At the social robotics lab, my work focuses on leveraging Knowledge Graphs to enhance the semantic understanding of text in robotics. This approach is particularly vital for designing a robot tutor tailored for visually impaired students. By utilizing Knowledge Graphs, we can create more intuitive and context-aware interactions, allowing the robot to understand and respond to the educational needs of these students more effectively. This work not only aims to improve the accessibility of education but also pushes the boundaries of how robots can be integrated into specialized learning environments.
