Abstract:
Social robots are increasingly present not only in collaborative workspaces but also in public places like shopping malls and personal settings such as healthcare. This raises questions about the role and capabilities we desire in these robots. Should they become more human-like, able to interpret and respond to human emotions? Do we want them to assist elderly individuals, or even ourselves as we age? Should their role be limited to tasks like cleaning and organizing, or are we comfortable with them helping with personal care tasks, such as assisting us to the toilet or feeding us if we suffer from conditions like Parkinson’s disease? Opinions on these matters vary greatly, influenced by cultural background, personal experiences, and perceptions of the specific robots involved.
Oliver Korn’s new Springer book, “Face-to-Face with Social Robots,” explores these questions and more. The book examines the phenomenon of social robots from their historical roots to contemporary best practices and future perspectives. It employs a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach, drawing insights from computer scientists, engineers, designers, psychologists, doctors, nurses, historians, and other experts.
The 13 chapters cover a wide range of applications, from collaborative industrial work to education and sales. Particularly for robots in health and care settings, the book discusses not only the technology, design, and usage but also the ethical implications.
This book serves as both a comprehensive compendium and a guideline, aiding in the navigation of the design space for future developments in social robotics.
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