Maja Matarić: How a USC Professor Revolutionized Socially Assistive Robotics

When the field of robotics engineering Maja Matarić wanted to join did not exist, she helped create it. In 2005, she played a pivotal role in defining socially assistive robotics, a discipline focused on robots that provide personalized therapy and care through meaningful social interactions.

Today, Matarić serves as a professor at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, holding joint appointments in computer science, neuroscience, and pediatrics. Her research explores how robots can support individuals with mental health challenges, including students experiencing anxiety and depression, by facilitating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—a treatment that targets negative thought patterns, behaviors, and emotional responses.

Robots That Listen, Play, and Respond

Matarić’s robots are designed to engage in conversations, play games, and respond to human emotions, creating a supportive environment for therapeutic interventions. These socially assistive robots represent a breakthrough in combining robotics with healthcare, offering scalable solutions for personalized care.

2025 Robotics Medal: A Career-Defining Honor

In recognition of her groundbreaking contributions, Matarić was awarded the 2025 Robotics Medal by MassRobotics, a Boston-based nonprofit that supports robotics startups with workspace, prototyping facilities, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The award celebrates female researchers who are advancing the field of robotics.

Reflecting on the ceremony, Matarić shared her emotional reaction:

“I’ve been very fortunate to be honored with several awards, which I am grateful for. But there was something very special about getting the MassRobotics medal, because I knew at least half the people in the room. Everyone was just smiling, and there was a great sense of love.”

From Belgrade to USC: A Journey of Discovery

Born in Belgrade, Serbia, Matarić grew up in a family that nurtured her curiosity for science and engineering. Her father, an engineer, inspired her early interest in the field, while her uncle, an aerospace engineer, introduced her to computer science. After her father’s death when she was 16, Matarić and her mother relocated to the United States.

She initially did not view herself as an engineer, despite her work in computer science. It wasn’t until she joined USC’s faculty that she embraced the identity of an engineer. In a 2024 interview, she emphasized this perspective for young people:

“In retrospect, I’ve always been an engineer. But I didn’t set out specifically thinking of myself as one—which is just one of the many things I like to convey to young people: You don’t always have to know exactly everything in advance.”

Academic Foundations: From Kansas to MIT

Matarić’s academic journey began at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 1987. During her studies, she was introduced to industrial robotics through a textbook, sparking her lifelong passion for the field.

She continued her education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), joining the AI Lab (now the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory) as a graduate student. In her first year, she explored various research projects and met IEEE Life Fellow Rodney Brooks, a pioneer in reactive and behavior-based robotic systems. Brooks’ innovative work deeply impressed her, leading her to join his lab and complete her master’s thesis under his guidance.

Expanding the Frontiers of Socially Assistive Robotics

Today, Matarić and her lab at USC are pioneering new applications for socially assistive robots, including projects that aim to improve communication skills for children with autism spectrum disorder. Funded by the National Science Foundation, these initiatives highlight the transformative potential of robotics in healthcare and education.