This AI-created podcast episode explores the surprising ways people perceive robot failures, diving into why we often blame robots for mistakes caused by our own actions. Based on the study The Robot Saw It Coming, we discuss how this tendency might actually reflect a subconscious desire to protect the robots. The researchers suggest that companies should be transparent about human-caused robot errors to build empathy and understanding. As robots become more common in daily life, the conversation highlights the need for trust and ethical guidelines, especially in sensitive areas like healthcare and education, where robot failures could have serious consequences.

This podcast is based on the following article:

Merdin-Uygur, E., & Ozturkcan, S.(2025). The robot saw it coming: Physical human interference, deservingness, and self-efficacy in service robot failures. Behaviour & Information Technology, 44(7), 1320-1339. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2024.2351195