Preparing for a Robot Future? Social Professions, Social Robotics and the Challenges Ahead

There have been significant developments in social robotics in the care sector: in particular, in the fields of elder care and in the care and education of children and young people, especially those with specific disabling conditions such as autism. Within the context of an increased interest in the social and ethical impact of automation and robotics, this paper, based on an overview of relevant literature, addresses some pertinent issues in the field of social robotics, social care and the social professions. It opens by pointing to the increasing application of information technologies in the care field, in areas such as Assistive Technology (AT) and Assistive Learning Technology (ALT). It defines social robotics and provides examples of relevant initiatives, prototypes and products in the care field, including and up to ‘third generation’ social robots. It outlines some of the challenges, in terms of ethics, human-robot relationships, acceptance and user-centred design, social impacts and issues of autonomy and control, and points to concerns about the professional identity of care providers. It identifies the need to respond in terms of educational/CPD supports and regulatory standards, for example in relation to the Irish regulators QQI and Coru. Finally, it suggests some pedagogical approaches to these issues that may be of assistance to educators, CPD practitioners and students within the social professions.