Welcome to
the RAP Lab!
What kind of a person is a machine?
We investigate interdisciplinary research on how humans perceive, relate to, and are changed by humanlike technologies such as robots and AI agents.
Overview
The Research on Artificial Persons (RAP) Lab investigates the psychological, social, and organizational impact of anthropomorphic technologies – from robots and avatars to chatbots and AI agents. We explore how these “artificial persons” blur the line between object and being, occupying a new space in our world. Our interdisciplinary team studies how people perceive, interact with, and form relationships with these technologies, with the goal of guiding their responsible design and integration into society.
Vision
Our vision is a future where artificial persons are trusted partners in daily life – enhancing well-being, equality, and understanding. We believe socially intelligent machines can enrich human experience when developed with empathy, ethics, and scientific insight. RAP Lab envisions technology that learns from human values and adapts to our social and cultural norms. By recognizing that robots and digital agents are neither mere tools nor humans, we champion an approach that respects this new ontological space. Our work shapes dialogues and policies to ensure integration is fair, transparent, and beneficial for all. (See our Mission & Values for more on our guiding principles.)
Approach
Interdisciplinary Expertise
Technologists, psychologists, engineers, neuroscientists, sociologists and ethicists collaborate on projects, ensuring well-rounded perspectives.
Innovative Tools
We use a variety of social robots, physiological sensors, and AI-driven software and hardware to uncover new insights.
Mixed Methods
We leverages lab experiments, biometric tracking, surveys, interviews, and ethnographic fieldwork to capture both qualitative and quantitative dimensions.
Applied Focus
Our studies are designed with real-world applications (and often industry partnerships) in mind, informing policy, design, and organizational practices.
Diverse Contexts
We examine artificial persons across workplaces, homes, healthcare, entertainment, and social environments to understand wide-ranging impacts.
Future Vision
Beyond today’s questions, we anticipate tomorrow’s challenges, exploring how humanlike technologies will evolve and reshape society.