By New Assistant Professor Mike Hagenow first moved to Madison for a job at Epic Systems. He went on to complete a PhD in mechanical engineering here at UW and is “ecstatic” to return to Madison as a faculty member after completing a postdoc at MIT. Hagenow will study “two core aspects of how humans and robots collaborate: teaching and teaming” in an effort to provide “solutions that can make people’s work safer and more productive” – all while continuing his espresso-drink-making prowess.
Hometown:
West Dennis, MA
Educational/professional background:
- Postdoc at MIT CSAIL
- MS/PhD in Mechanical Engineering from UW-Madison
- BS in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts
How did you get into your field of research?
It was largely by accident. After undergrad, I moved to Madison to work at Epic Systems. After a few years, I decided to pursue graduate school and was interested in studying control theory. I wanted to stay in Madison, and the closest match I found was Prof. Mike Zinn who worked on physical human-robot interaction and applied control. From there, I started collaborating with faculty in CS and ultimately became interested in human-robot teaming.
What are your areas of focus?
Generally, I am a human-robot interaction researcher, and I study two core aspects of how humans and robots collaborate: teaching and teaming. Related to teaching, my group looks at physical interfaces and algorithms for how people can effectively transfer skills where they desire robot assistance. Related to teaming, my group investigates how robots can assess their uncertainty when performing tasks and strategically request human assistance.
What main issue do you address or problem do you seek to solve in your work?
Through my work in robot teaching/teaming, I want to unlock more opportunities for people to use robots in tasks that may be undesirable or dangerous. Much of my previous work has focused on tasks in manufacturing that are ergonomically hazardous and difficult to automate. If we can develop teaming solutions that can make people’s work safer and more productive, it would be a major win.
Please describe your work for people without a background in computer science:
One ongoing project is related to Learning from Demonstration: the idea that a person could show a robot the physical motions for how they might do a task, and the robot collects data to learn its own model to assist in the task. Here, we have been developing new physical interfaces that make it easier for people to give demonstrations for tasks with different characteristics. For example, if the task involves dangerous materials, the person can remotely control the robot to demonstrate the task from a safe distance. If the task involves prolonged pushing, the person can physically guide the robot arm through the motions while the robot assists with the force. Finally, if the task involves precise, delicate motions, the person can directly pull the tool off the robot and it will film the interaction to learn how the person moves. You can find a video of our initial prototype of this flexible demonstration interface here: https://youtu.be/UR7IomTKLqw?si=t2mhliJu32hEbC3-
What’s one thing you hope students who take a class with you will come away with?
I plan to primarily teach courses related to robots. I think it is a fun and rewarding subject that brings together design, theory, and algorithms into a complex system. I hope students learn how to decompose the complexity of robot systems and gain practical skills for working with these systems. I also hope to get more students interested in working with robots (e.g., as career paths or in research).
What attracted you to UW-Madison?
Prior to my postdoc, I lived in Madison for nine years. I absolutely love the city. The university is also academically excellent and highly collaborative. I was ecstatic that I was able to return to UW-Madison as part of the faculty.
What was your first visit to campus like?
Admittedly, I am not sure that I recall my first visit to campus, given that I was already in the area working at Epic Systems. But I will say that it has been fantastic being back on campus after a few years away. The campus and city are growing, and I am fortunate to be starting my position in Morgridge Hall, which is a state-of-the-art facility.
What are you looking forward to doing or experiencing in Madison?
We are looking forward to returning to our favorite places in the city (e.g., food, outdoor activities) and finding some new favorites. Previously, we lived quite close to campus. Now, we are a bit further on the west side so there are many new places to explore in the surrounding area. On campus, I am very excited to establish new robotics collaborations with faculty across departments.
Do you feel your work relates in any way to the Wisconsin Idea? If so, please describe how.
My group’s human-robot teaming research definitely connects with the Wisconsin Idea. In developing robot assistants, we often employ human-centered design, which involves engaging directly with potential end-users of technology throughout the design process. Much of my past work involved robot teammates for manufacturing, and I am excited to continue to engage with this population, involving and benefiting local manufacturers in the state (both big and small).
Hobbies/other interests:
Outside of work, I like to run and make espresso drinks. A fun fact is that I was trained to make espresso by the world barista champion! Historically, I have also been very much into the ukulele and ultimate frisbee.