Tamil Selvan Gunasekaran

Tamil Selvan Gunasekaran

PhD Student

The University of Auckland

Biography

I am Tamil Selvan, a PhD candidate at the Empathic Computing Lab of the University of Auckland, fortunate to be mentored by Prof. Mark Billinghurst and Asst. prof. Yun Suen Pai and and Dr. Huidong Bai. My research journey is primarily focused on enhancing group cohesion and cognition through the integration of Human-AI teams in virtual meetings, a domain that has gained immense significance in recent times due to the global paradigm shift towards virtual communication. My interest in this field was fueled during my Master’s studies when I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Google ATAP (Advanced Technology and Projects). There, I was part of a project that delved into body-centric interactions using radar technology in smart devices, which sparked my fascination for the intersection of technology and human interaction. This experience has been a pivotal force behind my current research. I am passionate about harnessing the potential of AI and advanced technologies to improve human interactions in virtual spaces.

My research interests primarily revolve around the following areas:

  1. Human-AI Interaction: I am deeply invested in developing ways for humans and artificial intelligence systems to interact more effectively, especially in virtual meetings. This involves understanding both human cognition and AI functionalities to create systems that can enhance human interactions and group cohesion.

  2. Group Cohesion and Cognition: I investigate how group cohesion and cognition can be augmented in virtual environments. This involves understanding the dynamics of group interactions and developing tools or systems that can facilitate better group cohesion and cognitive functions.

  3. Mixed Reality Environments: I investigate the use of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance human interactions in mixed realtiy environments. This involves understanding the challenges faced in these environments and developing solutions that can facilitate better communication and interaction.

In summary, I am passionate about harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to improve human interactions in virtual spaces.

Download my resumé/CV.

Interests
  • Human-AI Interaction and Collaboration
  • Extended Reality
  • Assistive Augmentation
  • Machine Learning and Sensing
Education
  • MEng in Human Computer Interaction, 2022

    The University of Auckland

  • B.Tech in Electronics and communication Engineering, 2020

    Vellore Institute of Technology

Research Projects

RaITIn: Radar-Based Identification for Tangible Interactions
RaITIn, a radar-based identification (ID) method for tangible interactions. Unlike conventional radar solutions, RaITIn can track and identify objects on a tabletop scale. We use frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar sensors to classify different objects embedded with low-cost radar reflectors of varying sizes on a tabletop setup.
RaITIn: Radar-Based Identification for Tangible Interactions
KinVoices: Using Voices of Friends and Family in Voice Interfaces
Voice reminders and interfaces in the voices of friends and family.
KinVoices: Using Voices of Friends and Family in Voice Interfaces
VRTwitch: Enabling Micro-motions in VR with Radar Sensing
We introduce VRTwitch, a forearm-mounted wearable device that is able to sense micro hand motions.
VRTwitch: Enabling Micro-motions in VR with Radar Sensing
Adapting Fitts’ Law and N-Back to Assess Hand Proprioception
We propose using Fitts’ law coupled with the N-Back task to evaluate and assess the degree of proprioception of the hand for use cases like gesture recognition wearable computing.
Adapting Fitts’ Law and N-Back to Assess Hand Proprioception

Experience

 
 
 
 
 
Empathic Computing Lab
Research Assistant
Oct 2020 – Present Auckland

Responsibilities include:

  • Research on new input and interactions using FMCW Radar(Soli) Sensor in collaboration with Google ATAP.
 
 
 
 
 
The University of Auckland
Teaching Assistant
Jul 2021 – Oct 2021 Auckland

Design AND Autonomous Technology, Creative Arts and Industries

  • Prepared Coursework, Guided projects and evaluated assignments for a class of 60 students.
 
 
 
 
 
Augmented Human Lab
Visiting Researcher
Dec 2019 – Sep 2020 Auckland

Responsibilities include:

  • Assisted PhD student with their user studies and research.
  • Developed software systems for the research project KinVoice
 
 
 
 
 
Petrofac Engineering Services PVT. LTD.
Intern
Jun 2019 – Aug 2019 Chennai
Worked on Computer Networks,Sensors and Instrumentation application in Petroleum Extraction.
 
 
 
 
 
IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, VIT Chennai
Vice Chairman
Jun 2018 – Dec 2020 Chennai

Responsibilities include:

  • Head of Research and Development in IEEE -Robotics and Automation Society student chapter of VIT- Chennai.
  • Successfully conducted 18+ Workshops and 12 Hack-o-thons and Guided a team to develop Swarm Robots for Military purpose and presented in a competition conducted by DRDO,India.
 
 
 
 
 
Vellore Institue of Technology
Teaching Assitant
Jul 2021 – Oct 2021 Chennai

Electromagnetic wave theory

  • Prepared Coursework, Guided projects and evaluated assignments for a class of 60 students.

Awards and Honours

🎓 Graduate Research Fellowship
Awarded Full Scholarship for Masters Program at UOA.
🏆 Best Paper Presentation Award
Awarded Best Paper Presentation award for presenting the Research paper in Electronic Component Sorting Robot in E-Waste Management.
🏆 Winner, Workshop
Innovation Management and Leadership Certification Program (IMLEAP)– Presented solutions pertaining to Diagnosis Treatment of Stroke patients using Artificial Intelligence
🏆 Winner, Hackothon
Won 1st prize for developing Mars Rover - sensor fusion system amongst the top 120 students selected in India.
🏆 Dr.A.P.J. Abdul Kalam IGNITE Award
Awarded Young Scientist of the year for Invention of Automated Crutch to Wheel chair conversion system.

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