Sean Follmer

Bio

Sean Follmer is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science (by courtesy) at Stanford University. His Research in Human Computer Interaction, Haptics, and Human Robot Interaction explores the design of novel tactile physical interfaces and novel robotic devices. Dr. Follmer directs the Stanford Shape Lab and is a faculty member of the Stanford HCI Group. He is a core faculty member of the Design Impact masters program focusing on innovation and human centered design at Stanford.

The Shape lab explores how we can interact with digital information in a more physical and tangible way. Towards our goal of more human centered computing, we believe that interaction must be grounded in the physical world and leverage our innate abilities for spatial cognition and dexterous manipulation with our hands. We develop advanced technologies in robotics, mechatronics, and sensing to create interactive, dynamic physical 3D displays and haptic interfaces that allow 3D information to be touched as well as seen. We are specifically interested in using these novel interfaces to support richer remote collaboration, computer aided design, education, and interfaces for people with visual impairments. In pursuit of these goals, we use a design process grounded in iterative prototyping and human centered design and look to create new understanding about human perception and interaction through controlled studies.

Our research in Human Computer Interaction and Human Robot Interaction currently directed in five areas:
Dynamic physical shape displays
Wearable Haptics for grasping in VR
Ubiquitous Robotic Interfaces
Mobile Haptics
Soft actuation and Sensing

Dr. Follmer received a PhD and a Masters from the MIT Media Lab in 2015 and 2011 (respectively) for his work in human-computer interaction, and a BS in Engineering with a focus on Product Design from Stanford University. His talk featured on TED.com was named one of the best science and tech TED talks of 2015 and has been viewed more than 1.4 million times. He has received numerous awards for his research and design work such as Best Paper Awards and nominations from premier conferences in human-computer interaction (ACM UIST and CHI conferences), Fast Company Innovation By Design Award, Red Dot Design Award, and a Laval Virtual Award. His work has been shown at the Smithsonian Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, Ars Electronica Center, and the Milan Design Week. Dr. Follmer also leads workshops and executive education around design thinking and innovation.

Academic Appointments

• Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
• Member, Bio-X

Honors & Awards

• Best Paper Award, ACM UIST 2012 (2012)
• Best Paper Award, ACM UIST 2013 (2013)
• Best Demo Award, ACM UIST 2016 (2016)
• Best Paper Award (x2), ACM UIST 2016 (2016)
• Best Paper Award, ACM UIST 2017 (2017)

Program Affiliations

• Symbolic Systems Program

Professional Education

• Postdoctoral Associate, MIT Media Lab (2015)
• PhD, MIT Media Lab (2015)
• S.M., MIT Media Lab (2011)