Contact
kmacdorm@iu.edu
317-278-8169
IT 409B
Education
- Ph.D. Computer Science, University of Cambridge (1997)
- B.A. Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley (1988)
Biography
What does human–machine interaction sound like?
That’s one of the questions Karl F. MacDorman explores through his research into human–robot interaction—how we perceive the humanness of social robots and computer agents, including the voices of virtual AI assistants such as Alexa, Cortana, Siri, and Google Assistant. He’s been quoted on artificial intelligence and social computing in publications including the Wall Street Journal, Geekwire, and Wired.
As part of his human–computer interaction research, MacDorman also has examined how we perceive computer-animated characters, and the ability of computers to recognize visual stimuli such as hand gestures. He’s published more than 100 papers in HCI, robotics, machine learning, and cognitive science.
Before joining IU, MacDorman was an associate professor at Osaka University, Japan (2003–2005). Previously, he was assistant professor in the Department of Systems and Human Science at the same institution (1997–2000). He also has worked as chief technology officer at two venture companies.
Research Interests
- Android science
- Machine learning
- Social robotics
- Sensorimotor representation
- Symbol grounding and symbol emergence
- Computational neuroscience
- Computer security
Courses
INFO-H 563 Psychology of Human–Computer Interaction
Outside Media
- “Alexa, Siri, Cortana: The Problem with All-Female Digital Assistants,” Wall Street Journal. February 21, 2017
- “The Edge of the Uncanny,” Communications of the ACM. September 2016
- “This Creepy Face Perfectly Explains the Uncanny Valley,” The Daily Beast, December, 27, 2015
- “Pixel Perfect: The Scientist Behind the Digital Cloning of Actors,” The New Yorker, April 28, 2014
Related News
- August 31, 2023
New Luddy Indianapolis Computer Science Department expands students’ and researchers’ opportunities - May 3, 2023
AI applications everywhere, all the time: Luddy IUPUI researchers leading the way - September 16, 2021
Robots, personal safety, and moving to learn: faculty research is far-reaching - March 30, 2017
MacDorman explores voice preferences for personal digital assistants - September 18, 2016
New Ph.D. program in Data Science available in 2017 - April 25, 2016
Debaleena Chattopadhyay honored as IUPUI Chancellor’s Scholar - March 24, 2014
Human-Computer Interaction Faculty Featured by Tech Site - March 10, 2014
School of Informatics and Computing to Host Fulbright-Nehru Award Winner - March 12, 2012
MacDorman featured in March issue of Indianapolis Monthly - February 16, 2012
MacDorman featured on MSNBC.com in story about the future of human relationships with robots - March 8, 2010
National Public Radio (NPR) features MacDorman, virtual humans and the entertainment industry - September 24, 2009
Too scary to be real, research looks to quantify eeriness in virtual characters - May 20, 2009
MacDorman and the Terminator