The Promises and Challenges of Socially Assistive Robotics

Abstract

Introduction Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) for socially assistive applications is a growing and increasingly popular research area at the intersection of robotics, health science, psychology, social science, and cognitive science. Assistive robotics has the potential to enhance the quality of life for large populations of users. In response to the rapidly growing elderly population, a great deal of research attention has been dedicated toward the study and development of robot pets and companions aimed at reducing stress and depression [6, 11]. Individuals with physical impairments and those in rehabilitation therapy are also potential beneficiaries of socially assistive technology, both for improved mobility [13] and for improved outcomes in recovery. Finally, individuals with cognitive disabilities and developmental and social disorders (e.g., autism [2, 12]) constitute another growing population that could benefit from assistive robotics in the context of special education, therapy, and training. An effective socially assistive robot must understand and interact with its environment, exhibit social behavior, and focus its attention and communication on the user in order to assist in achieving specific goals.