AI Technologies for Robots That Empower People

AI Technologies for Robots That Empower People

The Smart Interactive Technologies Lab develops novel artificial intelligence technologies that allow robots to coexist harmoniously with people and the environment, empowering rather than replacing human beings.

Neuro-Developmental & Socially Assistive Robotics

Neuro-Developmental & Socially Assistive Robotics

Our internationally recognised research in neuro-developmental robotics studies how machines can learn like children, while our socially assistive robotics work designs systems that support healthcare and social workers in caring for children, older adults, and people with disabilities.

Collaborate & Innovate with SIT Lab

Collaborate & Innovate with SIT Lab

Join our multidisciplinary team of researchers and students at Sheffield Hallam University. We welcome collaborations, student opportunities, and partnerships to advance intelligent robotics and AI research.

Upcoming Event

East Midlands Service Robotics Competition 2026

A RoboCup-inspired service robotics event hosted by Sheffield Hallam University. The page includes event details, the restaurant task brief, and the expression-of-interest form for teams, presenters, judges, and partners.

Dates

20-21 June 2026

Venue

Hospitality Training Restaurant, Owen Building

Format

Competition rounds, demos, posters, and community exchange

Saturday 20 June 2026
Sheffield

Countdown to the event

Opening day starts on Saturday 20 June 2026 at Sheffield Hallam University.

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Countdown to the opening morning of the event.

Includes robot demonstrations, public showcase activity, poster sessions, and competition rounds built around the restaurant task.
Research Projects

Current and recent work

From mental imagery in robots to socially aware service systems, our projects connect cognitive AI, embodied learning, and practical healthcare robotics.

SWEET project image
Active2024-2027

Socially aware service robotics

An MSCA Industrial Doctoral Network training researchers to build service robots that can perceive, interpret, and respond appropriately to humans.

CARER-AID project image
Completed2020-2024
CARER-AIDAI-assisted caregiving

Assistive robotics

Exploring AI-assisted caregiving systems that support healthcare workers and older adults through monitoring, interaction, and assistance.

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CATHI project image
Completed2019-2023
CATHICollaborative Assistive Technology for Health Innovation

Healthcare innovation

Creating intelligent robotic systems that work alongside healthcare professionals to improve patient care and rehabilitation outcomes.

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Join Our Lab

Collaborate with Leading AI & Robotics Researchers

We welcome collaborations with academic institutions, industry partners, and students interested in advancing intelligent robotics. Join our multidisciplinary team working on cutting-edge research in neuro-developmental and socially assistive robotics.

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Join Us in Advancing Intelligent Robotics

We welcome dedicated researchers, students, and partners from diverse backgrounds to collaborate on cutting-edge AI and robotics research that benefits society.