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Mind Meets Machine: Cognitive and Social Perspectives on Social Robotics
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:02
Abstract
This seminar introduces the fundamentals and latest research related to social robotics across different contexts (education, healthcare, social/home contexts), with a focus on psychological and neuroscientific techniques, and critical evaluation of research practices for studying robots’ effectiveness as social tools. We consider common perspectives, controversies and empirical evidence.
Objective
- To familiarize students with current concepts, theories, methods and findings from behavioral and brain sciences related to human—robot interaction across a range of human-centric contexts - To develop a critical view of extant findings and the tools for evaluating the quality of evidence/data - To integrate this knowledge into their own use of embodied (robotics) technology in home, caring, classroom, or other social contexts
Content
As embodied robots become increasingly ubiquitous in social contexts ranging from hospitals and care homes to education and work environments, the enthusiasm and hopes for these technologies often far outstrip current robots’ capabilities. When we consider the placement of robots in homes or hospitals to provide social companionship or assist with daily tasks, or in classrooms to stimulate or support learning, we are confronted with a paucity of high-quality data related to how and why robots might serve as useful tools in these contexts. In this seminar, students will learn how research from the behavioral and brain sciences is enhancing mostly applied social robotics research to build a more complete picture of the scope, challenges, and opportunities of social robots being deployed as socially assistive tools. The seminar builds on the active participation of students in reading, presenting, and critically discussing selected papers in the field. In a final small-group assignment, students are required to integrate and elaborate upon topics covered in the seminar by presenting and debating a novel research proposal for addressing a timely research question related to the use of robots in the home, hospital, or classroom.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DZ , DS , SHE , DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 60
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Mind Meets Machine: Cognitive and Social Perspectives on Social Robotics |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents (Subject-specific courses. Particularly relevant for students interested in those subjects. All these courses are also listed under the category “Typ A”, and every student can enroll in these courses.)
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Educational Science for Teaching Diploma and TC (These are the general course offerings of the programmes Teaching Diploma (TD) - categories Educational Science and Compulsory Elective Courses - and Teaching Certificate (TC) - category Educational Science.)
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Doctorate Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (More Information at: )
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