Kaoru Sumi

I am a Professor at Future University Hakodate, Japan. My research focuses on affective computing, human–AI interaction, persuasive technology, embodied agents, and virtual and mixed reality.

I investigate how intelligent agents and interactive systems can understand human emotions and behavior, support learning and behavior change, and create meaningful interactions between humans and AI.

My current research includes affective and persuasive agents, embodied AI, social interaction in VR and MR, serious games, nonverbal communication, and physiological sensing. Future University Hakodate Faculty Page

Curriculum Vitae (PDF)

Highlights

• 2026–2028 — IEEE Computer Society Distinguished Visitor: Selected as a Distinguished Visitor through a highly competitive process in recognition of contributions to IEEE, the computing profession, and the technical community.
• Keynote Delivered: Delivered a keynote at IEEE TEMSMET 2026 in Hyderabad, India, on October 29, 2026.
• New Book: Affective Learning and Serious Games, CRC Press / Taylor & Francis, published June 2, 2026.
• Invited Speaker: TED-HRI Workshop, IEEE RO-MAN 2026, Kitakyushu, Japan, August 2026.
• General Chair: Persuasive 2026, Hakodate, Japan, March 2026.
• Volume Editor: Persuasive Technology: PERSUASIVE 2026 Proceedings, Springer LNCS 16476.
• Guest Editor: Next-Generation Persuasive Technologies for Human–AI Interaction and Behavior Change, Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence.
• Guest Editor: Interactive Technologies for Behavior Change and Emotional Engagement, JoVE Methods Collection.
• Awards: Selected awards received by PAHAI Lab members and research projects. View Awards

Research Interests

• Affective Computing
• Human–AI Interaction and Human–Agent Interaction
• Persuasive Technology and Behavior Change
• Embodied AI and Social Agents
• Virtual, Mixed, and Extended Reality
• Serious Games and Affective Learning
• Nonverbal Communication and Physiological Sensing