IT Sligo exploring humans’ understanding of robotics

A new Red C survey has found that 39% of adults in Ireland are concerned robots will take their jobs.

It is clear that our understanding of robotics needs to be explored further.

In response to this challenge, the Institute of Technology, Sligo is exploring how to educate the care, education and health workers of the future in how they might work with robotic colleagues.

This will be the focus of an ambitious pan-European research and teaching project conducted by several universities and other partners across the continent, led by academics from the Institute.

Researchers are now trying to find ways to create a working environment where both humans and robots can work side-by-side.

Dr John Pender, Futurist and Senior Lecturer in Politics & Social Policy at IT Sligo said: “It’s not a question of if, it’s a question of when. Increasingly, carers will be assisted by robots and Artificial Intelligence.

“There is growing evidence that the emotional intelligence possessed by social robots in the future will enable them to make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people in society.”

The Alzheimers Society is currently using a soft doe-eyed robot seal called ‘Paro’ that reacts to petting and conversation.

Dr Pender and colleague Dr Perry Share at IT Sligo will lead a strategic educational partnership called PRoSPEro (Pedagogy of Robotics in the Social Professions in Europe) over the next three years.

The project team is drawn from seven universities and organisations across Europe and combines a broad span of expertise in robotics research, social care, social service delivery and pedagogy.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) is also involved with the project and will provide an opportunity to work on a ‘real case study’.

The project will span three years, starting this September. It is has received financial back-ing of €344,110 from the EU Commission’s ‘Erasmus+ Strategic Partnerships’ programme.