Cognitive Scientist | Pioneer in Embodied AI & Machine Kinaesthese
"Decoding the essence of human intelligence through movement, and expanding it into Artificial Intelligence and Digital Healthcare."
1. About the Researcher
Dr. Jeh-Kwang Ryu is a multidisciplinary cognitive scientist exploring the profound interactions between the physical movements of the body and the cognitive functions of the brain. By extending these biological insights into Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and Digital Therapeutics (DTx), he seeks to uncover the fundamental nature of human intelligence.
Rooted in the phenomenological concept of Kinaesthese (kinesthesia) and the philosophy of Embodied Cognition, his research journey began with foundational cognitive neuroscience using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and Virtual Reality (VR). Today, he pioneers the innovative paradigm of "Machine Kinaesthese," bridging deep learning with smartwatch-based fine-grained motion recognition, Large Language Model (LLM)-based cognitive modeling, and the implantation of human cognitive processes into machine systems.
2. Core Research Areas
Cognitive Neuroscience of Action
How does the brain plan, control, and adapt our movements? How does it correct errors between visual information and physical sensation? Dr. Ryu investigates the neural mechanisms of efference copy and sensory feedback using fMRI and immersive VR. His clinical studies have provided neurological explanations for the loss of movement complexity and motor variability in patients with stroke and Parkinson's disease.
Embodied AI & Machine Kinaesthese
Dr. Ryu translates sophisticated human motor-cognitive mechanisms into deep learning and AI models. Utilizing wearable sensor (smartwatch) data and Deep Neural Networks (DNN), he has developed algorithms that precisely recognize fine-grained walking and fitness motions. He is dedicated to building "machine intelligence that deeply understands humans" based on physical movement and context—ranging from cognition-inspired video story understanding metrics (CogME, CAUS) to uncertainty-resolving algorithms for social robots in Human-Robot Interaction (HRI).
Digital Therapeutics (DTx) & Smart Rehabilitation
Applying neuroscience and motor learning theories to real-world clinical and educational environments, Dr. Ryu designs innovative digital interfaces. His work includes immersive VR interventions like the Virtual Kitchen Errand Task (VKET-C) and tablet-based cognitive-perceptual evaluation tools tailored for children with developmental disabilities, older adults with dementia, and neurological patients. These tools establish robust scientific evidence for digital therapeutics aimed at restoring functional independence and Activities of Daily Living (ADL).
3. Vision & Philosophy
Dr. Ryu’s ultimate scientific goal is to "elucidate the developmental processes of Body-Centric Human General Intelligence and implant these mechanisms into computational systems."
He posits that human thought and intelligence do not emerge in isolation within the closed "black box" of the brain; rather, they are dynamically generated through the continuous sensorimotor loop created as the physical body interacts with its environment. By teaching machines how humans perceive and navigate the world through movement, he strives to lay the foundation for the most "human-like" AI and robotic systems. Ultimately, he aims to channel these cutting-edge technological advancements back into society as compassionate, accessible healthcare solutions that empower vulnerable populations.
4. Academic Impact
Over the past two decades, Dr. Ryu has successfully dismantled the traditional silos between kinesiology, psychology, cognitive science, medicine, and computer science. He has authored over 70 peer-reviewed articles in highly respected international journals as well as top-tier domestic journals. His extensive portfolio serves as a premier model of translational convergence research, seamlessly connecting philosophical inquiry and basic neuroscience to advanced computational engineering and clinical application.
Since @12/14/2019 | Last updated @5/11/2023, 9:56:00 AM