TLDR: University of Rhode Island engineering professor Reza Abiri has been awarded a $546,848 National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award for his pioneering research in shared autonomy multimodal artificial intelligence. This funding will support the development of noninvasive, human-centered assistive technologies aimed at enhancing independence and quality of life for individuals with severe motor impairments.
University of Rhode Island (URI) engineering professor Reza Abiri has been recognized with the highly esteemed National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award, a significant accolade for early-career researchers. The award, totaling $546,848, will fuel Abiri’s innovative work in developing novel shared autonomy multimodal artificial intelligence (AI) systems. His research focuses on creating fully noninvasive, human-centered technologies that can achieve dexterous manipulation comparable to natural human movement.
The core objective of Professor Abiri’s project is to establish advanced frameworks that empower individuals suffering from severe motor impairments to achieve greater independence. This includes developing next-generation assistive AI robotics capable of interpreting and amplifying human intent, thereby facilitating natural and independent interaction in diverse real-world scenarios, such as physical restoration for severely impaired individuals.
Expressing his gratitude, Abiri stated, “I am deeply honored. [It] represents a meaningful milestone for my long-term research and academic journey.” He further emphasized the broader implications of this recognition, adding, “The NSF CAREER Award is not only a significant personal milestone, but also a strong validation of my broader vision to make assistive robotics more accessible, intelligent, and human-centered through the development of novel AI algorithms.”
Professor Abiri’s research team plans to expand their current efforts towards high-performance shared human-AI control systems. The ultimate goal is to address fundamental challenges in noninvasive assistive technologies, making them more practical and widely accessible. This transformative work seeks to revolutionize how people with disabilities engage with their environment through intuitive, AI-driven systems, ultimately reducing reliance on caregivers, improving quality of life, and fostering inclusive, independent living.
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Since joining URI’s electrical, computer, and biomedical department in 2021, Professor Abiri has established his Translational Neurorobotics research laboratory. Holding a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering with a specialization in controls and systems, he also serves as a Ryan research assistant professor of neuroscience. His collaborative approach extends to partnerships with medical schools, rehabilitation centers, and industry stakeholders across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, underscoring the interdisciplinary nature and potential real-world impact of his research.
