Designing Emotional Socially Assistive Robots (2 hours)

Teacher: Beste Özcan (science2mind)

Robotics & Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most exciting areas of technology for the future enhancement of human existence. In recent years, innovators globally have developed an increasing range of applications for robotics and AI, and one of the most intriguing areas is the design & development of Socially Assistive Robotics (SAR). Research and testing in this field have already proved that these types of robots can augment certain types of educational & therapeutic practices with children. To date, we know they can help with relieving tension, enhancing concentration and increasing psychological & emotional engagement. However, what is the most effective types of social robots for different contexts and how we do design & build those in the most human-centered & effective ways possible? These are the topics covered by the course.

Keywords: Emotion communication, embodied, interaction, affective design, biosensors

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