Talk Abstract: This talk introduces curiosity-driven research that explores science and technology to build the next generation of ear-worn computer systems that are robust, sustainable, cost-effective, low-burden, and socially acceptable, thereby unlocking new applications in human-computer interaction and brain-computer interface. Yet, the development of these systems brings significant challenges, demanding a rethinking of hardware and software frameworks, advanced ML algorithms, and significant interdisciplinary efforts. I will present our approaches to fill the gaps and build practical ear-worn computers, highlighted by motivating applications our lab has worked on: interactive computing and disease monitoring and intervention. Additionally, I will share insights gained from deploying these systems in various real-world settings and discuss future research directions.
About the Speaker: VP Nguyen directs the Wireless and Sensor Systems Laboratory (WSSL) at the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass). He is also affiliated with the Institute for Applied Life Sciences at UMass. He received the SONY Faculty Innovation Award, CACM Research Highlights 2020, 2021, ACM SIGMOBILE Research Highlights 2017, 2020, 2022, and Best Paper Award at ACM MobiCom 2019. His broad research interests include mobile/wearable computing, wireless networking, and embedded systems. His research agenda has focused on Sustainable Autonomous Things (SATs) for the vision of the Internet of Sustainable Medical Things, the Internet of Sustainable Living Things, and the Internet of Sustainable Flying Things.