Pascal Haberkorn

Student of Robotics, Technical University of Munich

About me

I am a Master’s student in Robotics, Cognition, Intelligence at the Technical University of Munich. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in robotics with a specialization in geriatronics at Kempten, University of Applied Sciences, where I developed a strong interest in human-centered robotics and human–robot interaction.

My academic work focuses on understanding how robotic systems can be designed to interact naturally and reliably with humans. I am particularly interested in assistive and healthcare applications, where intuitive interaction and safety are essential.

Currently, I am deepening my knowledge in intelligent systems, perception, and cognition. I aim to pursue a research-oriented career in human–robot interaction, contributing to both theoretical foundations and practical applications of human-centered robotic systems.

Human-Robot Interaction

Human–Robot Interaction (HRI) explores how humans and robots communicate, collaborate, and coexist. It is an interdisciplinary field that brings together robotics, artificial intelligence, human–computer interaction, psychology, and design. As robots increasingly move into human environments, understanding these interactions becomes both a technical and societal challenge.

The conceptual origins of HRI can be traced back to Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot (1941), where he introduced the Three Laws of Robotics. These laws describe fundamental principles for safe interaction between humans and machines: a robot must not harm a human, must obey human orders unless they conflict with the first law, and must protect its own existence within these constraints. Later, Asimov extended this framework with a “Zeroth Law,” prioritizing the well-being of humanity as a whole. While fictional, these ideas continue to influence discussions on safety, ethics, and control in modern robotic systems.

Today, research in HRI focuses on real-world interaction. In particular, physical human–robot interaction (pHRI) studies how robots can safely and intuitively operate in close proximity to humans. This includes applications in assistive robotics, healthcare, and service environments, where robots must adapt to human behavior, intentions, and needs.