I'm Kunal Gupta, a research fellow at the Empathic Computing Lab at the University of Auckland. My work bridges the gap between Human-AI Interaction and emotion recognition technology, focusing on mental well-being and cognitive rehabilitation. In my PhD research, I used physiological computing—such as brainwaves, skin conductance, and heart rate variability—to create adaptive virtual environments that respond to users' emotional and cognitive states in real time.
Currently, I'm leading projects on empathic digital agents for mental health and empathic characters for cognitive rehabilitation in VR, where AI-driven interventions are designed to support recovery and enhance emotional well-being. By combining insights from AI-driven mental health interventions and immersive virtual environments, my research advances the development of personalized, context-aware virtual agents and characters.
With over 5 years of industry experience, including roles at Google and Ducere Technologies, I bring a unique blend of academic research and practical expertise. My goal is to create AI-enhanced systems that solve real-world problems and promote emotional resilience and cognitive growth.
Alongside my research, I co-supervise PhD students and advise undergraduate researchers. My teaching and mentorship experience reflects my commitment to nurturing future leaders in this growing field.
Leading projects on empathic digital agents for mental health and empathic characters for cognitive rehabilitation in VR, where AI-driven interventions are designed to support recovery and enhance emotional well-being.
A Ph.D. candidate at the Empathic Computing Laboratory at the University of Auckland. My research work revolves around emotion recognition and environmental adaptation in VR using physiological sensing and contextual information
As a Researcher working in the Search Social Impact team within Google Search product, I supported User Experience Research efforts across various social impact areas in India such as Education, Civic, and Health.
Engaged closely with the stakeholders, conducted user research, performed requirement analysis, designed hardware and software interactions, developed lo-hi fidelity prototypes by following user-centered design process.
Conducted ethnographic research, designed, prototyped, and evaluated emotion sharing application. After contextual inquiry, designed and developed AR-based prototypes for Earthmoving vehicle controller, warehouse navigation.
Designed hardware interaction, developed prototypes, interfacing of Diabeto with existing Glucometers. Contributed to the development of the product and interfacing with the android application.
Designed LeChal, a haptic shoe for the visually impaired, to bring user-driven innovation to the shoes. Lead a team responsible to explore more interactive applications of the existing product.
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