Socialization of Robots in Service Structures
Robots will be Part of our Future
There are many efforts worldwide to use robots in different variations to support human beings in their (daily) work – from a simple vacuum cleaner to an elderly-care nurse. It is absolutely clear that robots will be part of our future daily life.
There are already clear efforts, especially in Japan, to use human-like robots in geriatric care.
The major challenge of this technology is not the technical realization but the men-robot interface. Humanoids as well as robots have to learn to interact with each other.
This should take place in locations where many people are able to interact with a robot at the same time. And it should take place as long as people are still relatively young.
Such a place could be e.g. a café, where the type of interaction can easily be predefined. This environment doesn’t expect a high initial intelligence of the robot behind the bar. On the other side it will allow a continuous learning process for him – and for the visitors. The mutual gained knowledge can be used in other service structures.