Certificate Programme in Social Robotics for Disaster Recovery
Published on June 23, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to be talking with Dr. Jane Roberts, an expert in social robotics and the lead instructor for the Certificate Programme in Social Robotics for Disaster Recovery. Dr. Roberts, could you start by sharing a bit about your personal experiences with social robots in disaster recovery? GUEST: Of course, I've seen firsthand how social robots can provide emotional support to people affected by crises. They're especially helpful in situations where human responders can't reach everyone right away. HOST: That's fascinating. How do these social robots actually help, in terms of community engagement and emotional support? GUEST: Well, they can perform simple tasks, like delivering supplies or providing information, which frees up human responders for more complex needs. Additionally, their presence can help reduce anxiety and loneliness during stressful times. HOST: It's amazing how technology can make such a difference. Speaking of which, what current industry trends are you seeing in the field of social robotics for disaster recovery? GUEST: There's a growing emphasis on making robots more empathetic and better able to understand human emotions. This is crucial for building trust and ensuring effective interaction between robots and people in crisis situations. HOST: That sounds like a significant challenge. What are some of the obstacles you've faced in integrating robotics into disaster recovery efforts? GUEST: One major challenge is ensuring that the technology is accessible and user-friendly for everyone involved, from disaster management teams to the affected communities. We need to design robots that are intuitive and easy to operate, even under high-stress conditions. HOST: Absolutely, user experience is key. As we look to the future, where do you see this area of social robotics heading in the next five to ten years? GUEST: I believe we'll see social robots playing an increasingly important role in disaster recovery. As the technology advances, they'll become more sophisticated, better able to understand human emotions, and more integrated into disaster response strategies. HOST: Dr. Roberts, thank you so much for joining us today and giving us a glimpse into this transformative field. To our listeners, if you're interested in learning more about the Certificate Programme in Social Robotics for Disaster Recovery, visit our website for more information. Until next time, stay curious!
