Intelligent User Interface lab develops artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that contribute to enhancing human-computer interaction. In face-to-face communication, not only verbal information, but also nonverbal information such as prosody, facial expressions, gaze, and gestures are exchanged between participants in conversations. While verbal information mainly conveys meaning, nonverbal information plays an important role in conveying the verbal messages smoothly and accurately. We are developing AI technologies to create computational models of human social intelligence that interprets and generates verbal and non-verbal information in conversations. We are also working on developing humanoid interfaces, such as communication robots and animated agents, by implementing the computational models of social intelligence to make the humanoids capable of conversing with people while interpreting and expressing verbal and non-verbal information. Through our research, we aim to realize artificial intelligence that can be close to people and support them.
