Evaluating the Impact of Social Robots on Well-Being
Published on June 27, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast! Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by Dr. Sarah Peterson, an expert in social robotics and the instructor of our new course, "Evaluating the Impact of Social Robots on Well-Being." Sarah, thank you for joining us today! GUEST: Thanks for having me! I'm excited to be here. HOST: To begin, could you share a bit about your personal experiences and insights related to this course topic? GUEST: Absolutely! I've spent over a decade researching social robots and their impact on emotional and psychological health. I've seen firsthand how these robotic companions can improve lives, especially for those struggling with loneliness or mental health issues. HOST: That's fascinating! What current industry trends are you seeing that are relevant to this course? GUEST: There's a growing interest in using social robots within healthcare settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes. Additionally, advancements in AI and machine learning are enabling these robots to become more emotionally intelligent and responsive. HOST: Those sound like exciting developments! However, I'm sure there are challenges when it comes to learning or teaching this subject. Could you elaborate on some of these challenges? GUEST: Certainly. One challenge is the ethical considerations surrounding the use of social robots. Another is ensuring that these robots are accessible and inclusive for diverse populations. HOST: Great points. Looking to the future, where do you see the field of social robotics heading? GUEST: I believe we'll continue to see advancements in AI and machine learning, making social robots more sophisticated and empathetic. Additionally, I hope to see increased collaboration between academia, healthcare, and technology to ensure these advancements are used responsibly and ethically. HOST: Dr. Peterson, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today! To our listeners, be sure to check out "Evaluating the Impact of Social Robots on Well-Being" to learn more about this intriguing subject. Until next time! GUEST: Thank you for having me! It was a pleasure.
