Present and Future of Socially Assistive Robotics

Dear Colleagues,

Socially Assistive Robotics is an interdisciplinary research field at the intersection of Human–Robot Interaction and Assistive and Inclusive Technologies. This emerging field focuses on developing robots capable of aiding users through social interaction to support them for better inclusion and access to society. A socially assistive robot is a system that employs interaction strategies to help follow a particular assistive context. Socially assistive robots equipped with motivational, social, pedagogical, and therapeutic capabilities have the potential to improve access to large populations and enhance their quality of life.

This Special Issue is devoted to state-of-the-art research on Socially Assistive Robotics for a fair and inclusive society, namely interactive social robots that support inclusiveness, social interaction, independent living, increased social connection and independence. We seek original submissions that address barriers to access and provide assistive systems or inclusive technologies for individuals with diverse abilities and socio-economic status. Studies conducted with participants representative of the stakeholders and in real-world and/or longitudinal deployment settings are especially welcome. This Special Issue aims to supply an overview of the current state of the Socially Assistive Robotics scene, how the field and related technologies are set to evolve in the future, and their impact on society at large.

Topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Socially Assistive Robotics for aiding people with disabilities (e.g., visually impaired, deaf, neurodivergent and elderly).
• Socially Assistive Robotics for elevating people from disadvantaged groups (e.g., socio-economic status).
• Socially Assistive Robotics for inclusive education (e.g., improve and enhance education).
• Designing for diversity and inclusivity—design and co-design of Socially Assistive Robots.
• Next steps in Socially Assistive Robotics research.
• Ethical considerations in Socially Assistive Robotics.

Dr. Kalin Stefanov
Dr. Leimin Tian
Dr. Pamela Carreno-Medrano
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• socially assistive robotics
• human–robot interaction
• social robotics
• artificial intelligence
• accessible computing
• affective computing
• human-centered artificial intelligence
• assistive technologies
• design justice
• ethical design