Social robotics is the use of technology and AI to assist cognition in neurodiverse individuals.
It includes but is not limited to the use of machines and robots to facilitate day-to-day living in a way that best suits the ND person. It underlies the belief that altruistic human-robot interactions can lead to a more inclusive society.
Also, in a time when human interactions are becoming lesser and lesser, and more and more adults around the world are choosing to live by themselves, this could be a more pragmatic way to offer accessibility-related help to NDs.
It doesn't only include robotics, though. It's pretty much an umbrella term for technology that's adapted to suit neurodivergent needs and is responsive to their sensory sensitivities and alt-cognitive minds. Includes movie theatres fitted with equipment that plays sound at reduced volumes and dims bright lighting, and also quiet spaces at sports stadiums or concert venues.
The phrase that goes with it is 'designing for diversity', which I quite like. Might use it somewhere.
Last - aesthetics and personalization remain the two most crucial facets linked to the design of social robotics. It's not just utilitarian; it seeks to aid in preserving the human aspect of humanity.
On a separate note - love how non-fatalist this approach is towards robotics and technology as a whole. Quite in contrast to the deathly sci-fi version of events where evil robots take over and kill humans.
Imagine having a robot puppy that goes against its machine-instincts of always putting his tasks before emotions. And starts to develop a deep attachment towards its old master, who dies very soon. Then the robot dog mourns for a bit, and ends up finding a pack of strays in a nearby street and starts living with them.
Would be a nice antidote to that dreary, dystopian Black Mirror episode.
Anyway, love how Australia and New Zealand are so ahead of other countries in their work on neurodiversity.
Read here.
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