In this episode, we explore the increasing presence of humanoid robots in our lives, particularly as their roles expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. From delivering supplies and disinfecting hospital rooms to offering companionship to the elderly, humanoid robots are taking on tasks once reserved for humans. We discuss the potential benefits, such as improved healthcare support and enhanced convenience, as well as the challenges, including concerns about job displacement and the risk of social isolation. As robots become more integrated into society, we consider how they may reshape human interactions, potentially affecting both our social skills and the way we connect with each other.

This podcast is based on the following article:

Ozturkcan, S., & Merdin-Uygur, E. (2022). Conceptualizing opportunities and challenges relevant to the inclusion of humanoid service robots in the context of COVID-19. In T. Ahram & R. Taiar (Eds.), Human interaction, emerging technologies, and future Systems V (pp. 153–158). Cham: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85540-6_20