When the robot smiles back
Researchers use AI to teach robots to make appropriate reactive human facial expressions, an ability that could build trust between humans and their robotic co-workers and care-givers.
social robots
Robot touch makes you feel better
People who were touched by a humanoid robot while conversing with it subsequently reported a better emotional state and were more likely to comply with a request from the robot.
Robots benefit special education students
Researchers have discovered that primary school children in both regular and special needs schools make strides when they learn together with a robot.
Robots can draw out reluctant participants in groups
Can a robot draw a response simply by making “eye” contact, even with people who are less inclined to speak up. A recent study suggests that it can.
Robots encourage risk-taking behaviour in humans
“The Robot made me do it” - research has shown robots can encourage humans to take greater risks in a simulated gambling scenario than they would if there was nothing to influence their behaviours.
Could robots replace real therapy dogs?
According to new research, robotic animals could be the 'pawfect' replacement for our real-life furry friends.
Designing soft and sensitive robotic fingers
Scientists have designed a 3D printable soft robotic finger containing a built-in sensor with adjustable stiffness.
A smooth interaction between humans and robots?
Making eye contact with a robot may have the same effect on people as eye contact with another person - interaction between humans and humanoid robots could be surprisingly smooth.
Tackling ethics concerns regarding use of carebots
An analysis highlights the realistic pros and cons of apps and other technologies that use AI to benefit older adults, including those facing dementia and cognitive decline.
SnuggleBot, the new cuddly companion
"Snugglebot" needs to be taken care of, cuddled and kept warm. It's physically comforting (soft, warm and weighted), and engaging.
Finding moral common ground in human-robot relations
Designers who use ethics to shape better companion robots will end up making better humans, too, say UNSW researchers.
What is your attitude towards a humanoid robot?
The way humans interpret behavior of AI-endowed artificial agents, such as humanoid robots, depends on specific individual attitudes that can be detected from neural activity.
Don't forget to clean robotic support pets
Research from the University of Plymouth suggests that robot pets could pose an infection risk if passed between staff and service users without cleaning.
Humanoid hands create safer human-robotics interactions
Engineers have designed and developed a novel humanoid hand that may be able to help.
Robin, the AI social robot
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital launches an innovative project to support the emotional needs of children.
Thai hospitals deploy 'ninja robots' to battle coronavirus
Thai hospitals are deploying "ninja robots" to measure fevers and protect the health of overburdened medical workers on the frontlines of the outbreak.
Robots on the march to walking like humans
A psychological theory could kickstart improvements in the way robots are able to walk, thanks to a study at the University of Manchester.
Robot toys provide clues about infant development
New research shows that using robots could help detect early signs of autism or ADHD in infants.
Children benefit from learning with social robots
Research has shown that explaining aloud what you are learning, whether to yourself or to someone else, leads to a better understanding of the subject.
Robot helps schoolkids break bad hygiene habits
A robot which encourages kids to wash their hands has helped pupils at a remote Indian primary school take a fresh approach to hygiene.
‘Uncanny Valley’: Brain network evaluates robot likeability
Scientists have identified mechanisms in the human brain that could help explain the the unsettling feeling we get from robots and virtual agents that are too human-like.
Huggable: Social robots can benefit hospitalized children
Interacting with a robotic teddy bear invented at MIT boosted young patients’ positive emotions, engagement, and activity level.
Robot therapists need rules
Numerous initiatives using robots for improving mental health already exist. However, the use of embodied AI in psychiatry poses ethical questions.
Robopets can benefit health of elderly
Robotic pets that respond to human interaction can benefit the health and wellbeing of older people living in care home.
ADA: Assistive robot learns to feed
Engineers have taught a assistive robot the strategies needed to pick up food with a fork and gingerly deliver it to a person’s mouth.
3D printed robots could care for those in golden years
Researchers have developed a new design method that shows promise in enabling the efficient design and fabrication of soft robots using a 3D printer.
Robot-guided video game gets older adults moving
A robot led older adults through a video game, out of their comfort zone, learning and working together demonstrating the promise of future care.
The robots that dementia caregivers want
A team of scientists spent six months co-designing robots with informal caregivers for people with dementia, such as family members.
Seeing through a robot’s eyes helps those with motor impairments
An interface system that uses augmented reality technology could help individuals with profound motor impairments operate a humanoid robot to feed themselves.
