Publications
You can find a list of my research articles, conference papers, and other academic publications on this page. You can also visit my Google Scholar profile for the complete list.
2024
Artificial Intelligence in the Battle Against COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Emma Yann Zhang , Adrian David Cheok, Zhigeng Pan, Jun Cai, Ying Yan
Artificial Intelligence in Health, 1(2), 1-15. AccScience Publishing
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated a global crisis, affecting all facets of human life. The rapid spread of the virus necessitated urgent responses from the healthcare sector, with artificial intelligence (AI) taking center stage as a pivotal tool in this fight. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the multifaceted role of AI during the pandemic, spanning from early detection and diagnosis to treatment, management, and the development of vaccines. We delve into the ethical and societal implications of deploying AI in such critical scenarios, discussing data privacy, algorithmic bias, and accessibility. The paper also presents various case studies, highlighting country-specific implementations and the dichotomy of success stories and failures. Furthermore, we explore the future directions of AI in healthcare, emphasizing emerging technologies and policy recommendations that could shape post-pandemic health-care systems. The conclusion synthesizes these insights, reflecting on the lessons learned and the prospective landscape of AI in global health. This paper aims to serve as a cornerstone for policymakers, health-care providers, and AI researchers, guiding the responsible and effective integration of AI in future health-care strategies.
Full paper2024
Survey on Haptic Technologies for Virtual Reality Applications During COVID-19
Authors: Emma Yann Zhang, Adrian David Cheok, Zhigeng Pan, Jun Cai, Ying Yan
Metaverse, 5(2): 1–15
Abstract: This paper presents a comprehensive survey on the advancements and applications of haptic technologies, which are methods that facilitate the sense of touch and movement, in virtual reality (VR) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to identify and classify the various domains in which haptic technologies have been utilized or can be adapted to combat the unique challenges posed by the pandemic or public health emergencies in general. Existing reviews and surveys that concentrate on the applications of haptic technologies during the Covid-19 pandemic are often limited to specific domains; this survey strives to identify and consolidate all application domains discussed in the literature, including healthcare, medical training, education, social communication, and fashion and retail. The paper reviews various haptic devices and systems and discusses the technological advancements that have been made to offer more realistic and immersive VR experiences. It also addresses challenges in haptic technology in VR, including fidelity, ethical, and privacy considerations, and cost and accessibility issues.
Full paper2023
From Turing to Transformers: A Comprehensive Review and Tutorial on the Evolution and Applications of Generative Transformer Models
Authors: Emma Yann Zhang, ,Adrian David Cheok, Zhigeng Pan, Jun Cai, Ying Yan
Sci, 2023, 5(4), 46. MDPI
Abstract: In recent years, generative transformers have become increasingly prevalent in the field of artificial intelligence, especially within the scope of natural language processing. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of these models, beginning with the foundational theories introduced by Alan Turing and extending to contemporary generative transformer architectures. The manuscript serves as a review, historical account, and tutorial, aiming to offer a thorough understanding of the models’ importance, underlying principles, and wide-ranging applications. The tutorial section includes a practical guide for constructing a basic generative transformer model. Additionally, the paper addresses the challenges, ethical implications, and future directions in the study of generative models.
Full paper2023
Wearable Technology in Emotive Communication: An In-depth Exploration of the Kiss Transfer Mechanism and Its Implications for Human-Human Interactions
Authors: Emma Yann Zhang, Adrian David Cheok, Ying Yan, Jun Cai, Zhigeng Pan
Wearable Technology, 4(1), 22-99
Abstract: This paper delves deeply into the innovative realm of integrating human emotions with wearable technology. The primary focus is on the conceptualization and development of a kiss transfer device that harnesses the power of wearable technology to bridge the physical gap in human-human interactions. By investigating the intricate nuances of the human-human kissing process, the research seeks to replicate this intimate gesture through a technological medium. The paper not only elaborates on the anatomy, evolution, and hormonal dynamics of kissing but also underscores the transformative potential of wearable technology in capturing and transmitting these intimate moments. This exploration opens up new horizons for long-distance relationships, offering a tangible touchpoint that goes beyond traditional communication methods. Through this pioneering work, the research positions wearable technology as not just a tool for communication but as an extension of our human emotions and expressions.
Full paper2023
Bo Ruberg. Sex Dolls at Sea: Imagined Histories of Sexual Technologies.
Authors: Emma Yann Zhang
Winterthur Portfolio 57(1), 97–98. The University of Chicago Press
Abstract: This publication is a book review of 'Sex Dolls at Sea: Imagined Histories of Sexual Technologies,' examining the cultural and societal implications of sexual technologies and their role in human relationships.
Full paper2019
Human-Robot Intimate Relationships
Authors: Adrian David Cheok, Emma Yann Zhang
Springer Nature, Human-Computer Interaction Series
Abstract: This book provides a comprehensive collection and overview of the latest development in the field of intimate relationships between humans and artificial partners, in particular robots and virtual agents. It includes relevant research work undertaken by the authors, the latest advancements in technology and commercial products, and future predictions and insights from leading experts in the area. This book contains an in-depth discussion of the engineering, philosophical, psychological, ethical, and sociological implications of relationships with artificial companions. It also gives a glimpse of some future directions of artificial intelligence, human-computer love and sexual interaction, robotics engineering etc. It is a great resource for researchers and professionals working in these areas. The narrative style of the book also makes it an enjoyable and educational read for everyone.
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2017
Exploring the Role of Robotic Kissing 'Kissenger' in Digital Communication Through Alan Turing's Imitation Game
Authors: Emma Yann Zhang; Adrian David Cheok; Sasa Arsovski; Idris Oladele Muniru
Industrial Electronics Society, IECON 2017-43rd Annual Conference of the IEEE (pp. 2870-2875). IEEE
Abstract: With advances in robotics and artificial intelligence, and increasing prevalence of commercial social robots and chatbots, humans are communicating with artificially intelligent machines for various applications in a wide range of settings. Intimate touch is crucial to relationships forming and emotional bonding, however it remains as a missing element in digital communication between humans, as well as humans and machines. A kissing machine, Kissenger, is built to transmit haptic kissing sensations in a communication network. In order to investigate the role of robotic kissing using the Kissenger device in digital communication, we conducted a modified version of the Imitation Game described by Alan Turing by including the use of the kissing machine. The study consists of 4 rounds, in which participants communicate with two players, a male and a female, using online chatrooms with the goal to identify the female player. In the last two rounds, the male player is replaced with a chatbot with female personas. Participants are told to remotely kiss the players using the kissing device at least once during the chat in the second and fourth round, but not in the first and third round. Results show that robotic kissing has no effect on the winning rates of the male and female players during human-human communication, but it increases the winning rate of the female player when a chatbot is involved in the game.
Full paper2017
Human-robot love and sex relationships.
Authors: Adrian David Cheok, Kasun Karunanayaka, Emma Yann Zhang
Robot Ethics: From Autonomous Cars to Artificial Intelligence,(Eds P Lin, K Abney, R Jenkins), 193-220. Oxford University Press.
Abstract: This book chapter explores the ethical and social implications of human-robot love and sex relationships, introducing the concept of 'Lovotics' and discussing its potential impact on society and technology.
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2017
Kissenger - Development of a Real-time Internet Kiss Communication Interface for Mobile Phones
Authors: Emma Yann Zhang, Shogo Nishiguchi, Adrian David Cheok & Yukihiro Morisawa
Cheok, A., Devlin, K., Levy, D. (eds) Love and Sex with Robots. LSR 2016. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 10237. Springer, Cham.
Abstract: A real-time bilateral kiss communication interface is developed for transmitting multisensory kissing sensations over the Internet using mobile phones. Kissenger consists of a plugin haptic device that attaches to a mobile phone via the audio jack and a mobile application that connects to the device and sends real-time data stream over the Internet. The device uses an array of linear actuators to generate haptic stimulations on the human lips and force sensors to measure the force output. Bilateral force-feedback control is used to synchronise the forces on both sides of the system. The aim is to provide an intimate communication channel for couples and families to physically interact with each other in order to maintain close relationships even at a distance. The stimulation of other sensory modalities such as taste and smell are discussed to provide a full multisensory communication experience.
Full paper2016
A Networked Device for Reproducing Multisensory Kissing
Authors: Emma Yann Zhang, Adrian David Cheok
MVAR '16: Proceedings of the 2016 workshop on Multimodal Virtual and Augmented Reality (p. 1-3). ACM
Abstract: This paper presents a networked device designed to reproduce multisensory kissing sensations. The study explores the technical implementation of the device and its potential applications in enhancing emotional communication and intimacy in virtual environments.
Full paper2016
Kissenger - Development of a Remote Kissing Device for Affective Communication
Authors: Emma Yann Zhang, Adrian David Cheok, Shogo Nishiguchi, Yukihiro Morisawa
Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Advances in Computer Entertainment Technology (p. 25). ACM
Abstract: As human communication is rapidly migrating from the physical world to the digital world, it is crucial to develop affective communication systems to enable the expression of intimacy, emotion and empathy over the Internet, as these are essential elements in forming social relationships. A multisensory, real-time kissing device, Kissenger, is developed to transmit multisensory kissing sensations remotely using mobile phones. The aim is to provide an intimate communication channel for families and friends to physically interact with each other remotely, in order to effectively convey deep emotions and intimacy through a multisensory internet communication experience.
Full paper2016
Forming Intimate Human-Robot Relationships Through A Kiss Machine
Authors: Emma Yann Zhang, Adrian David Cheok
Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Human-Agent Interaction (pp. 233-234). ACM
Abstract: Robots are increasingly becoming involved in people's lives as social companions or even romantic partners rather than mere productivity tools. To facilitate intimacy in human-robot relationships, technologies should enable human to have intimate physical interactions with robots, such as kissing. This paper presents a kissing machine that reproduces and transmits the haptic sensations of kissing. It provides a physical interface for human to form emotional and intimate connections with robots or virtual characters through kissing, and also acts as a remote agent for human to transmit kisses remotely through a communication network.
Full paper2016
A Multimodal Networked Kissing Machine for Mobile Phones
Authors: Emma Yann Zhang
Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction with Mobile Devices and Services Adjunct (pp. 911-913). ACM
Abstract: Internet communication has revolutionised human communication, which is rapidly migrating from the physical world to the digital world. However, digital communication is often criticised for encouraging social isolation, and diminishing our abilities to empathise and form emotional bonds. Communication technologies still focus on transmitting visual and audio information, thus missing the emotional exchange during face-to-face interaction expressed through physical contact and non-verbal cues.
Full paper2015
Delivering Haptic Sensations in Mobile Marketing
Authors: Gilang Andi Pradana, Emma Yann Zhang, Adrian David Cheok, Yukihiro Morisawa
Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Advances in Computer Entertainment Technology 2015 (p. 50). ACM
Abstract: The sense of touch has a significant role in establishing effective communication with customers and improving brand awareness and product experience. With mobile and wearable devices at the core of communication today, mobile marketing is crucial for advertisers to appeal to a larger audience and new haptic technologies should be developed to deliver more realistic and meaningful haptic messages to these devices. We introduce RingU and Kissenger, two haptic devices for mobile devices that enhance the vibration haptic feedback using force-variable vibrotactile and linear force actuation, allowing users to hug and kiss each other over the Internet in real-time. Businesses can use these devices to communicate with their customers using haptic stimulations to enhance customer experience and advertise their services. Artist agencies or game producers could also increase the popularity of their idols and virtual characters by allowing fans from worldwide to come in "close contact" with them.
Full paper