Social robots

Technological advancements for daily business operations continue at a rapid pace. Personal computers are a required tool for the current generation of workers to provide businesses with greater efficiency and productivity to satisfy customer and market demands. Robotics technology has revolutionized industrial operations. Robots help workers move heavy objects and perform laborious tasks and ensure effective time management. But nowadays, robots are not used for industrial purposes. Collaborative robots like social robots are making new transformations.

The emergence of social robots has completely transformed the outlook on robotics technology. Social robots are autonomous robots that are designed to communicate and interact with humans. This disruptive innovation is created to enhance our domestic environments and is creating an enormous impact on society. Social robots can understand emotions, share feelings and take part in human life, unlike traditional industrial robots.

The acceptance of robots in our daily lives is pacing rapidly, and it is just the beginning. Social robots in the Netherlands are becoming a common phenomenon. Dutch futurologist Mike van Rijswijk sees great opportunities for robots in the Netherlands. French robot manufacturing company Aldebaran Robotics introduced the humanoid robot NAO that can open unprecedented opportunities for the healthcare sector.

Using humanoid robots or social robots in the healthcare sector would not only prove beneficial for the patients but would become great allies for healthcare practitioners. NAO is currently deployed in the care industry of the Netherlands to provide a wholesome experience to both healthcare providers and patients.

Social Robots in Education

Several educational institutions are using social robots as a part of the learning experience. These robots act as personalized learning companions for students. A social robot acts as a supplement teacher, students have the undivided attention of a guide that they need to study.

The social robot Tega, a furry red creature with googly eyes, was created to prepare children for school. Tega can start conversations and tell stories, while monitoring, testing, and teaching vocabulary to b children. It comes with an in-built camera that records the reaction of the students and responds accordingly. It acts more like a friendly guide than a teacher, encouraging students with a caring voice.

Tega works with children on a one-on-one basis. It learns to portray the students' emotional reactions to different situations and gradually personalizes its response to optimize according to their needs.

Social robots for senior citizens

The population of older adults growing. The care giving workers for the older citizens need help to manage this growing population. The social-emotional intelligence tech bridges the gaps wherever the caregivers are incapable of providing for them. These robots can encourage older citizens to engage more with others that can cure conditions like chronic loneliness or depression.

Socially intelligent robots can interact and communicate with people using natural language with human-centric terms, create emotional connections, and support humans mentally rather than just providing tech-based solutions.

Everyone must understand the delicate relationship between machines and humans. With these novel technologies, we have a bright future ahead, only if we utilize it mindfully and exploit it to cause damage to others.