Tovi Grossman (photo: NSERC/CRSNG - Sylvie Li)

Assistant Professor Tovi Grossman is the recipient of a prestigious E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

The fellowship recognizes early career achievements of promising scientists and supports their efforts to enhance their research capacity.

U of T Arts & Science News writes:

The award celebrates Grossman’s investigations into human-computer interaction, automation and the ways in which people engage with new technologies.

Grossman and his colleagues have found that allowing computers to handle some aspects of a task can free people to focus on other details and acquire new skills. He leads a team that is developing technologies that balance the precision of computers with the creativity and ingenuity of humans.

Some of their developments include AI-assisted drone navigation that handles fine-tuned steering in tight spaces, while an operator focuses on speed and direction; wearable sensors that capture the intricate movements behind grip and touch, so hands can perform nimble tasks in virtual environments; and software interfaces that encourage users to try tools and menu items to advance their expertise more quickly.

Recipients of this year’s NSERC Prizes will be celebrated today at a ceremony beginning at 1:30 p.m. EST and streamed live on Facebook and YouTube.