Guy Hoffman

Guy Hoffman isn’t just a world-renowned roboticist – he’s also an animator and a musician, two talents among many that enable him to invent better, friendlier robots. Hoffman is a pioneer in Artificial Intelligence and Human-Robot Interaction – the programming of robots to match human abilities. By emphasizing qualities like spontaneity, improvisation and user-friendliness in the machines he builds, Hoffman is leading the movement for enabling robots’ greater use in people’s daily lives.

Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Cornell University and formerly the co-director of the IDC Media Innovation Lab in Israel, Hoffman is well-known for creating “robots with soul.” Hoffman’s work explores robots’ social intelligence – particularly how they think, feel, and move – as they interact with humans. His user-centered design approach is valuable wherever machines need to be able to replicate and understand human social and emotional cues, from health care, to services and education. His work also represents a vital contribution to the future of work, which will involve the greater utilization of robots and AI in roles traditionally performed by humans. He emphasizes, however, the role of robots as partners rather than replacements for humans, and how we must develop a new approach that optimizes the abilities and talents of both machines and people.

Hoffman’s TED talk continues to be a viral sensation and has propelled him onto the global stage. Viewed more than 3 million times, it is among the top 10 most-viewed of 2014 and one of the most viewed online talks on robotics. He has designed several award-winning social robots, and he continues to develop AI that enables robots to relate to and work with humans in a more natural, intimate and productive way. As part of his research, he designed the world’s first human-robot theater performance, as well as the first real-time improvising human-robot jazz duet. In his highly engaging keynotes, Hoffman showcases how AI can be employed both collaboratively and creatively, unlocking innovative solutions with far-reaching impacts for every industry and society.

Passionate, provocative and entertaining, Hoffman has been invited to work with top consumer companies to advise on the design of domestic robotics products. His work has been published and exhibited worldwide and covered in the international press, including CNN, BBC, PBS, NBR, The New York Times and even Comedy Central. Chosen twice to be one of Israel’s most promising scientists under 40, Hoffman and his work have garnered numerous recognitions. His robotic desk lamp, “AUR,” won the 2007 IEEE International Robot Design Competition, and he was animation and software lead on the World Expo Digital Water Pavilion, which received one of TIME Magazine’s “Best Inventions of the Year” Award.

A 21^st century “Renaissance Man,” Hoffman has taken an unconventional career path, studying a variety of fields, including cinema, mathematics, computer science, philosophy and psychology. He holds a doctorate from the MIT Media Lab in the field of human-robot interaction, a Master of Science in computer science from Tel Aviv University, and a Master of Fine Arts from Parsons School of Design in New York City.

Guy Hoffman is available to advise your organization via virtual and in-person consulting meetings, interactive workshops and customized keynotes through the exclusive representation of Stern Speakers & Advisors, a division of Stern Strategy Group^®.