Exploring the Coevolution of Social Robotics

How will robots evolve to assist individuals with health and wellbeing in the future? Mari Velonaki, Professor of Social Robotics, University of New South Wales in Sydney, shares a future vision with Health2049 co-host Bisi Williams where technology coevolves to enhance humanity. One of the world’s preeminent thinkers in robotics, Mari’s work emphasizes creativity and playfulness in design, advocating for a shift from mere utility to personalized, transparent and ethically-driven solutions. Drawing on the concept of “coevolution,” her approach highlights the organic and synergetic possibility of society and technology evolving together. 

Mari Velonaki

• Website: https://hri.edu.au/
• Twitter X: https://twitter.com/crl_unsw
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marivelonaki
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-robotics-lab/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nfhri/about/

Connect with Health2049:

• Website: https://www.health2049.com
  
  

Find the complete Show Notes and Transcripts Here -> https://bit.ly/mari-velonaki

Timestamps:

• Mari Velonaki’s background in robotics. [03:46]
• A human centric vision for the future. [05:23]
• How can technology evolve? [08:11]
• The coevolution of assisted robots. [11:58]
• Should robots be human-like? [15:29]
• Coexistence to co-inhabitation to coevolution. [18:50]
• New technologies that enhance us. [23:10]
• Generative assisted robots improve quality of life. [25:38]
• Robots tailored to meet unique needs. [30:03]
• How can we address ethical considerations? [32:34]
• Assisted robotics without art? [34:52]

Episode Web Page: https://www.health2049.com/episodes