An RECF partner, the National Science Foundation’s Human Augmentation via Dexterity Engineering Research Center (HAND ERC), is advancing breakthrough research where robotics, technology, and education converge to drive real-world impact across critical sectors.

How do you explain the work of HAND ERC and why it matters right now?

HAND ERC is a National Science Foundation-funded Engineering Research Center focused on tackling one of the most pressing challenges facing our future workforce: robotic dexterity.

At its core, the ERC program exists to apply advanced engineering and science to real societal problems while simultaneously training the next generation of talent. For HAND ERC, that problem is the growing gap between the demand for skilled labor and the number of people available to fill those roles.

Industries like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, especially elder care, and hazardous materials handling are already feeling the strain and the data shows those gaps will only widen in the coming decades. Many of these roles rely on fine motor skills and human dexterity, something today’s robots still struggle to replicate.

Our work focuses on closing that gap by advancing robotic dexterity so robots can safely and effectively assist in roles that are increasingly difficult to staff with humans alone. The stakes are high: without innovation, people may not receive the care, services, or products they expect or depend on.

Where do you already see AI and robotics showing up in everyday life or in jobs people might not realize are being transformed?

AI has already embedded itself into our daily routines often so seamlessly that we barely notice it. Voice assistants, smart homes, automation tools, and recommendation systems are now second nature.

What’s coming next is similar but more physical. Once we solve the dexterity challenge, robotics will have the potential to transform nearly every hands-on role. Much like smart assistants became ubiquitous in homes, humanoid robotics could follow a similar path. Eventually, it may feel surprising not to have robotic assistance in certain environments.

What’s important to understand is that this shift is happening faster than most people expect and it will touch far more industries than just tech.

What skills do today’s students need most to succeed in a future shaped by AI and how can hands-on programs help build them?

From a technical standpoint, I’m confident our education system is strong at teaching hard skills. Where I see the greatest opportunity is with soft skills.

Today’s jobs are rarely solved by one person working alone. Success depends on teamwork, communication, collaboration across disciplines, and the ability to work with people who may be very different from you or located halfway across the world.

Hands-on programs like robotics competitions are incredibly powerful because they require students to explain their thinking, defend design choices, collaborate under pressure, and communicate clearly with judges and peers. These experiences build confidence, resilience, and real-world readiness in ways no textbook alone can do.

What are some pathways into this work that might surprise people?

Very few careers follow a straight line. In reality, success is usually a combination of preparedness and opportunity.

What consistently matters is networking in a meaningful way not just online, but through real conversations, shared projects, and experiences that put you in front of new people. Pitch competitions, research showcases, internships, and collaborative programs all create moments where doors can open.

No matter how advanced technology becomes, teams will always need people who add value, communicate well, and solve problems together. Being known as someone who is capable, curious, and collaborative often matters as much as technical expertise.

As RECF and HAND-ERC begin working together, what excites you most about the potential impact on students and the future workforce?

What excites me most is how complementary our missions are.

HAND ERC focuses heavily on workforce development at the college and early-career level, while RECF is building that pipeline much earlier when curiosity, confidence, and identity are first taking shape.

RECF’s role on our education and workforce development advisory board brings invaluable insight into how students actually learn, engage, and grow through STEM experiences. That perspective helps us better align our research investments with real-world impact.

Partnering with RECF strengthens our ability to do exactly that by ensuring today’s students are prepared for tomorrow’s workforce in meaningful, lasting ways.