Ilona Buchem of Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Germany

Talk Synopsis
In this talk, I will explore the evolving world of social robots, focusing on the disparity between the high expectations set by the media and current advancements in AI, and the current state of technological reality. I will delve into how social robots are perceived versus how they actually perform in real-world applications, particularly in educational settings.

To begin, I will define and provide an overview of social robots, examining their historical development and key milestones. This will set the stage for understanding the broad expectations that have been shaped by movies, TV shows, and media. 
Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have further heightened these expectations, as AI continues to make significant strides in natural language processing, machine learning, and decision-making capabilities.

However, I will contrast these high expectations, often also related to fears, with the current capabilities and limitations of social robots, highlighting the gap between expectations and reality, especially in the context of education.

Next, I will focus on the educational applications of social robots. These robots are increasingly being integrated into classrooms to enhance learning experiences. I will share some examples of how social robots are used to engage students and improve learning outcomes. In this part I will explore the dynamics of human-robot interaction and the challenges faced in designing applications for robots that can  understand and respond to humans.

The talk will also address how ongoing research and technological advancements aim to bridge the gap between public expectations and the reality of what social robots can currently achieve. Ethical considerations and the societal implications of increasingly sophisticated social robots will be examined, emphasizing the need for thoughtful development and deployment of these technologies.

In conclusion, my talk will highlight the importance of maintaining realistic expectations while continuing to innovate in the field of social robotics. By understanding the current limitations and future possibilities, we can better appreciate the potential of social robots in supporting teachers and learners.

Biography:

Ilona Buchem is professor for Communication and Media Sciences at Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Germany. She is the head of the Communications Lab, in which she and her research team engage in application research in Educational Technologies and Human Robot Interaction with the focus on communication and collaboration with Social Robots in social settings such as education and elderly care.

Research profile with publications on ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9189-7217 
Link to the Communications Lab: https://labor.bht-berlin.de/kom/humanoide-roboter