Clinicians’ Opinions, Suggestions, and Concerns Using Social Robots in Psychological Practice

Social robotics is an innovative field in the development of cyber-physical systems, which is finding increasingly widespread application in areas requiring intensive human communication, such as education and psychology. This article examines the role and potential of social robots as a tool in psychological practice, as well as for the training and development of key professional skills in future psychologists. The main types of social robots used in the field of psychology are presented and their effectiveness is analyzed. Emphasis is placed on the opportunities that social robotics provides for simulating real social interactions and supporting the development of communication, diagnostic, and therapeutic skills. It also discusses the challenges related to the reliability, standardization, and adaptability of robots, as well as the need for new methodologies for their effective integration into the training of psychologists. The document outlines future directions for research and development that can contribute to transforming the educational environment through social robotics and improving the quality of training for psychology professionals.

Despite general scepticism from care professionals, social robotics research is providing evidence of successful application in education and rehabilitation in clinical psychology practice. In this article, we investigate the cultural influences of English and Italian psychology students in the perception of usefulness and intention to use a robot as an instrument for future clinical practice and, secondly, the modality of presentation of the robot by comparing oral vs. video presentation. To this end, we surveyed 158 Italian and British-English psychology students after an interactive demonstration using a humanoid robot to evaluate the social robot’s acceptance and use. The Italians were positive, while the English were negative toward the perceived usefulness and intention to use the robot in psychological practice in the near future. However, most English and Italian respondents felt they did not have the necessary abilities to make good use of the robot. We concluded that it is necessary to provide psychology students with further knowledge and practical skills regarding social robotics, which could facilitate the adoption and use of this technology in clinical settings.

The report analyzes intergenerational interaction in the workplace and the related challenges and opportunities. Based on empirical research conducted using the Delphi method, specific trends are outlined in the integration of artificial intelligence and robotic technologies into psychological practice and organizational communication. The results indicate that technological optimism increases with age and education, while younger respondents and those with limited knowledge of AI demonstrate higher levels of skepticism. Correlational analysis confirms that digitalization and automation are perceived as interconnected processes, with the preservation of the human factor in therapy remaining a key challenge. The forecast for 2040 envisions the gradual integration of social robots into clinical practice and psychological organizations, where they will assist professionals without replacing their roles. This study highlights the need for a balanced combination of technology, empathy, and intergenerational collaboration to ensure sustainable development in organizational environments.

Posthumanism is associated with critical explorations of how new technologies are rewriting our understanding of what it means to be human and how they might alter human existence itself. Intersections with analytical psychology vary depending on which technologies are held in focus. Social robotics promises to populate everyday settings with entities that have populated the imagination for millennia. A legend of A Marvellous Automaton appears as early as 350B.C. in a book of Taoist teachings, and is joined by ancient and medieval legends of manmade humanoids coming to life, as well as the familiar robots of modern science fiction. However, while the robotics industry seems to be realizing an archetypal fantasy, the technology creates new social realities that generate distinctive issues of potential relevance for the theory and practice of analytical psychology.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is a “Q&A interview” conducted by Joanne Pransky of Industrial Robot Journal as a method to impart the combined technological, business and personal experience of a prominent, robotic industry PhD-turned-entrepreneur regarding the evolution, commercialization and challenges of bringing a technological invention to market.Design/methodology/approachThe interviewee is Dr Cory Kidd, an inventor, entrepreneur and leading practitioner in the field of human–robot interaction. Dr Kidd shares his 20-year journey of working at the intersection of healthcare and technology and how he applied innovative technologies toward solving large-scale consumer healthcare challenges.FindingsDr Kidd received his BS degree in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology and earned a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow in Computer and Information Science & Engineering. Dr Kidd received his MS and PhD degrees at the MIT Media Lab in human–robot interaction. While there, he conducted studies that showed the psychological and clinical advantages of using a physical robot over screen-based interactions. While finishing his PhD in 2007, he founded his first company, Intuitive Automata, which created interactive coaches for weight loss. Though Intuitive Automata ceased operations in 2013, Dr Kidd harnessed his extensive knowledge of the healthcare business and the experiences from patient engagement and launched Catalia Health in 2014 with a new platform centered specifically around patient behavior change programs for chronic disease management.Originality/valueDr Kidd is a pioneer of social robotics and has developed groundbreaking technology for healthcare applications that combines artificial intelligence, psychology and medical best practices to deliver everyday care to patients who are managing chronic conditions. He holds patents, including one entitled Apparatus and Method for Assisting in Achieving Desired Behavior Patterns and in an Interactive Personal Health Promoting Robot. Dr Kidd was awarded the inaugural Wall Street Journal and Credit Suisse Technopreneur of the Year in 2010, which is meant to “honor the entry that best applies technology with the greatest potential for commercial success”. He is also the Director of Business Development for the nonprofit Silicon Valley Robotics and is an impact partner for Fresco Capital. He consults, mentors and serves as a Board Member and Advisor to several high-tech startups.