Humanoid Service Robots: Challenges and Opportunities in Healthcare

During the pandemic, humanoids have been used in several countries to assist frontline healthcare staff with easier tasks in order to reduce their contact with patients infected with the virus. It is estimated that robots could do at least 20% of the work of nurses in hospitals and elderly care. They have been deployed to do easy tasks like carrying food and medicine to infected patients, taking their temperature and filling gaps in isolated wards. Some humanoids have also been used to alleviate loneliness during social distancing for the elderly, and in some cases the elderly became confused and felt exhausted as they began to expect more human traits from the humanoids. 

In her seminar, Prof. Selcen Öztürkcan will discuss both the challenges and opportunities in using humanoids in healthcare and elderly care. She explains: "I am interested in the interactive relationship and if these robots will be okay to have around in all forms and formats of service."

The seminar will be held in English via Zoom on Thursday, 24 February from 15:00-16:00 CET / 14:00-15:00 GMT.

The link will be sent to those who register the day before the seminar.

Would you like to attend? Register here via Linnaeus University!