Susan J. Barnes

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About

Susan J. Barnes is a pioneering scholar at the intersection of robotics, ethics, and gerontology, best known for her provocative work on the social implications of deploying life-like robots in elder care. Her most-cited paper, "Three dialogues concerning robots in elder care" (2013, 19 citations), employs a unique Socratic dialogue format to explore the ethical tensions and practical realities of integrating companion robots into assisted living facilities. Through imagined conversations between a philosopher and a nurse, Barnes challenges readers to consider how robotic caregiving might reshape human dignity, autonomy, and emotional connection in aging populations. While her citation count reflects a niche but growing field, her work has been instrumental in framing critical debates around robot ethics, particularly in healthcare settings where vulnerable populations are involved. Barnes’s contributions extend beyond academia into policy discussions, as her dialogues have been referenced in guidelines for human-robot interaction design. For students and researchers, her work serves as a compelling case study in how speculative ethics can inform real-world technological development, urging a cautious yet imaginative approach to the future of care.