Guy Hoffman

Human-Robot Interaction Researcher, Cornell University Associate Professor, Robotics Innovator, TED Speaker & AI Collaboration Pioneer

Guy Hoffman’s Biography:

Guy Hoffman is a pioneering roboticist, AI researcher and keynote speaker, currently Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Cornell University and leader of the Human-Robot Collaboration and Companionship Lab. Recognised globally for his work exploring the emotional and social intelligence of machines, Guy has become one of the leading voices on how humans and robots can collaborate creatively. A highly engaging speaker on artificial intelligence, robotics and innovation, he is widely known for his TED Talk on human-robot interaction, which has been viewed millions of times and helped shape global conversations about the future relationship between humans and intelligent technology.

Guy’s journey into robotics began with an unusually interdisciplinary academic path that blended engineering, computing and creative design. He first earned an MSc in Computer Science from Tel Aviv University, before pursuing an MFA from Parsons School of Design, combining artistic thinking with technological development. He later completed a PhD in Human-Robot Interaction at the MIT Media Lab, one of the world’s most influential research environments for emerging technology. Early in his career, Guy worked as a Research Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Georgia Institute of Technology, experiences that positioned him at the forefront of emerging research into robotics, human behaviour and intelligent systems.

As his research evolved, Guy continued pushing the boundaries of what robots could do beyond simple automation. He later became Assistant Professor and Co-Director of the IDC Media Innovation Lab at IDC Herzliya, where he developed groundbreaking projects exploring the social capabilities of machines. Among his most innovative achievements were designing the world’s first human-robot theatre performance and creating the first improvising human-robot jazz duet, demonstrating how robots could engage in creative collaboration with people. His work has received international recognition, including winning the IEEE International Robot Design Competition for his robotic desk lamp AUR and contributing as software and animation lead on the World Expo Digital Water Pavilion, later recognised by TIME magazine as one of the year’s best inventions. Guy’s research has also been featured widely across global media outlets including CNN, BBC and The New York Times.

Why Hire Guy Hoffman?

As a keynote speaker, Guy offers audiences a compelling perspective on the future of artificial intelligence and robotics, focusing on how technology should be designed with human values at its core. His talks explore themes such as human-robot collaboration, the future of work, ethical AI design and the role of creativity in technological innovation. Guy brings complex ideas to life through engaging stories and real research examples, helping organisations understand how emerging technologies will influence industries and society. For companies, universities and technology leaders navigating rapid innovation, Guy provides both inspiration and practical insight into building a future where humans and intelligent machines work together successfully.

Guy Hoffman’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Guy Hoffman’s remarkable career in innovation:

• 2025 – Published new research on human-robot collaboration and interaction at the ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction
• 2016 – Joined Cornell University as Associate Professor in the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• 2014 – Delivered viral TED Talk on human-robot interaction with over three million views
• 2012 – Named one of Israel’s most promising researchers under 40
• 2010 – Named one of Israel’s most promising researchers under 40
• 2007 – Won the IEEE International Robot Design Competition for the robotic desk lamp AUR
• 2005 – Software and animation lead on the World Expo Digital Water Pavilion, later recognised by TIME Magazine as a Best Invention