Pedro Lopes is an Associate Professor at the University of Chicago, where he leads the Human-Computer Integration Lab in the Department of Computer Science. His research focuses on innovative interactive devices that seamlessly integrate with the human body, progressing beyond conventional wearable technology. The lab's projects explore advanced interaction models that utilize the user’s own physiology for enhanced connectivity and functionality. Notable innovations include devices that actuate muscles through electrical stimulation, creating immersive VR experiences without the bulk of traditional robotics.

Recent research encompasses a range of topics, such as taste modulation using chemical agents, eco-friendly electronic design tools for recycling components, and novel applications of magnetic muscle stimulation to improve user comfort. Additionally, projects like ThermalRouter assist designers in creating thermally efficient models, ensuring optimal device performance. Lopes’s work is grounded in a vision of interactive technology that prioritizes user agency and sensory engagement, shaping the future of human-computer interaction.