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About

Antti Tammela is a leading researcher in human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on the social and ethical dimensions of deploying robots in sensitive environments. His work centers on two key areas: the use of telepresence robots in residential care for the elderly and the design of socially intelligent robots for public spaces. Tammela’s most impactful contribution is his 2019 paper “Towards Ethical Guidelines of Using Telepresence Robots in Residential Care,” which has garnered over 100 citations and established a foundational framework for responsible deployment in care settings. Through studies like “A Telepresence Robot in Residential Care: Family Increasingly Present, Personnel Worried About Privacy” (30 citations), he has illuminated the complex trade-offs between increased family connection and staff privacy concerns. His research on calling practices (“Please Call Me?”) addresses practical barriers to adoption, while his work on the MuMMER project demonstrates how robots can navigate crowded public spaces with social intelligence. Tammela’s scholarship uniquely bridges technical development with ethical foresight, making him a pivotal voice in ensuring that assistive robots enhance human dignity rather than diminish it.