Cynthia Breazeal "Social Robots"

Social robotics aims to move beyond transactional AI by creating autonomous agents that engage with humans through emotional and social intelligence. Rather than striving for human-like androids, the field focuses on designing robots that serve as effective companions, capable of modeling growth mindsets and empathy to support education, healthcare, and independent aging. These systems derive value from long-term, context-aware interactions that build rapport, mirroring human social dynamics. However, the potential for manipulation necessitates a rigorous commitment to AI literacy and ethical design. By integrating technical development with sociological and psychological insights, researchers create scalable solutions that augment human networks of care. This approach prioritizes human-centered design, ensuring that technology empowers individuals to flourish while maintaining transparency and accountability in how these agents influence human behavior and decision-making.