Academic Staff

Robert Smith

Lecturer

Dr Robert Smith holds a permanent lecturing position at Technological University Dublin. In addition to this role, Robert was Chairperson of the Irish Deaf Research Network (2017 - 2024) and, from 2018 - 2020, delivered the Sign Language Linguistics module in his capacity as Assistant Adjunct Professor at the Centre for Deaf Studies (CDS), School of Linguistic, Speech and Communication Science, Trinity College Dublin.

After several years working in the computer industry, with companies such as Siemens and Data Electronics, Robert took a technical lead role at the Irish Deaf Society (IDS) where he gained an interest in sign languages and first learned Irish Sign Language (ISL). Upon leaving the IDS in 2009, Robert began a full-time post as a research fellow at the Centre for Next Generation Localisation (CNGL) in Dublin City University (DCU). At DCU, Robert was part of a team that created a multimodal corpus with content in ISL video, English text, HamNoSys and computer-generated ISL through avatar technologies. During the same period, Robert began lecturing at the School of Informatics & Cyber Security, TU Dublin - Blanchardstown campus (previously ITB). He has delivered a range of modules on General Computing and Creative Digital Media programmes at TU Dublin. In 2024, Robert's growing passion for equality drove him to accept the role of EDI Champion for his school, and he joined the TU Dublin University of Sanctuary application steering committee.

Robert completed a MSc by research which investigated the role of emotional and facial expression in sign language generation with 3D avatars. Robert's PhD dissertation entitled "EXPLOITING ASSOCIATION RULES MINING TO INFORM THE USE OF NON-MANUAL FEATURES IN SIGN LANGUAGE PROCESSING" involved a linguistic investigation of non-manual features of ISL through corpus analysis techniques and machine learning methods.

Robert is currently collaborating on the Access2CS project which aims to create a centre of excellence to support and recruit students with different disabilities and abilities to Computer Science programmes at 3rd level.

Research interests

Chief areas of interest include Sign Language Linguistics, Corpus Linguistics, Sign Language processing and Sign Language Analytics.

Subcategories and secondary areas of interest include: Association Rules Mining, sign language corpora, Irish Sign Language (ISL), non-manual features (NMF’s) in sign languages, sign language notation/transcription methods, FATE (Fairness, Accountability, Transparency, and Ethics) in AI sign language processing, sign language synthesis, sign language recognition, synthetic signing, humanoid/avatar animation, attitude and emotion in avatar animation, 3D & 2D computer graphics, digital realities, computer game design & development.