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📚 RSC Research Overview

Explore publications, presentations, and student work around the Robot Study Companion.

📄 Published Research:

  1. Baksh, F.; Zorec, M.B.; Kruusamäe, K. Open-Source Robotic Study Companion with Multimodal Human–Robot Interaction to Improve the Learning Experience of University Students. Appl. Sci. 2024, 14, 5644. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135644

  2. Baksh, F., Zorec, M., Kruusamäe, K. (2024). Designing Social Robots for Learning: HRI Participatory Design Workshop. In: Cheng, YP., Pedaste, M., Bardone, E., Huang, YM. (eds) Innovative Technologies and Learning. ICITL 2024. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 14786. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-65884-6_22

  3. Baksh, F., Jackson, I., Jackson, I., Zorec, M.B. (2025). University Students Acceptance of a Robot Study Companion. In: Balogh, R., Obdržálek, D., Fachantidis, N. (eds) Robotics in Education. RiE 2025. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 1544. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-98762-5_5

  4. Calafa', M., Baksh, F., Zorec, M.B, Kruusamäe, K. (2025). Emotive Design of a Robot Study Companion to Support University Learning. IEEE RO-MAN 2025 [Forthcoming]

🎤 Talks & Conference Presentations:

ENLIGHT Teaching and Learning Conference — Uppsala, Sweden

Poster presentation by Farnaz Baksh (October 8-10, 2025)
Programme 🌐

IEEE RO-MAN 2025 — Eindhoven, Netherlands

Conference Participation (27 - 29 August 2025):
— Farnaz Baksh gave a session talk at the Robots for Humans (RfH) Workshop 🎙️
— Farnaz Baksh & Matevž Zorec took part in the in-person robot design competition representing the RSC team, which included Feiazie Baksh (poster & slides support) and Ali Badshah (documentation)
— The team won the Best Technical Design Award — View Awards🏆
— Miriam Calafa' presented the team’s paper on the Emotive Design of the RSC — View Abstract 🌐

OSHWA Summit 2025 — Edinburgh, Scotland

In-person talk by Farnaz Baksh & Matevž Zorec (May 30, 2025)
View Talk Details 🛠️ | Watch Presentation ▶

Future Frontiers: PhD Conference on Emerging Technologies — Tartu, Estonia

Poster presentation by Farnaz Baksh (May 6-7, 2025)
Book of Abstracts 📄

Robotics in Education - RIE 2025 — Thessaloniki, Greece

Presented in person by Farnaz Baksh (April 25, 2025)
Read Abstract 📄

Embodied Intelligence Conference 2025 — Online

Online presentation by Matevž Zorec (April 2, 2025)
View Session 🌐

EIT Global Launchpad Pitchfest 2024 — Porto, Portugal

Presented in person by Farnaz Baksh (December 5, 2024)
Event Highlights 📌

International Conference of Innovative Technologies and Learning - ICITL 2024 — Tartu, Estonia

Presented in person by Farnaz Baksh (August 14, 2024)
Watch Presentation ▶

📜 Student Theses:

Ali Badshah — Prototyping a Mini Robotic Study Companion

BSc Science & Technology, University of Tartu (expected 2026)
Supervisors: F. Baksh MSc, M.B. Zorec MSc

Miriam Calafa' — Designing Multimodal Emotional Expression for a Robotic Study Companion

MSc Robotics, University of Tartu (expected June 2025)
Supervisors: F. Baksh MSc, K. Kruusamäe PhD

Isaac Jackson & Ishmael Jackson — A Comprehensive Evaluation of the Robot Study Companion (RSC) Through Replication and Testing

BSc Computer Science, University of Guyana (June 2024)
Supervisor: Farnaz Baksh MSc

Farnaz Baksh — An Open-Source Robotic Study Companion for University Students

MSc Robotics & Computer Engineering, University of Tartu (June 2023)
Supervisors: K. Kruusamäe PhD, S. Schumann MSc, A. Luhtaru MSc
View Thesis 📄 Watch Thesis Pre-Defence ▶