Robotics for Disability Support and Dignity Preservation

  • Robotics for Disability Support and Dignity Preservation

Inclusive Robotics

We believe that co-designed robots and robotic technology can change the lives of people with disability for the better.

Approximately 1 in 6 Australians have some form of disability. There’s a pressing need for innovative solutions to enhance their lives, and it is recognised that key imperatives for our fellow Australian are Accessibility, Inclusion and Self-determination:  

  • Accessibility: Equal access to all aspects of society. 
  • Inclusion: Inclusion in all aspects of society, not segregated or isolated.  
  • Self-determination: The right to make their own decisions about own lives – with access to the information and support needed to make informed choices. 

We propose the acceleration of R&D activity to support the deployment of social robotics for disability support, empowerment, self-expression, and dignity preservation toward satisfying these imperatives.  

Our related research activity aligns with co-design principles and the Social Model of Disability support, preferencing a methodology where the responsibility for inclusivity falls upon society in general, not individuals with disabilities.  

Social Robotics 

Recent advancements in Social Robotics, and advancements in Generative AI technologies that have come to the fore in 2023, offer new opportunities to support our fellow Australians with disabilities.  

Social robots are robots designed to interact with and assist humans. They can be programmed to perform a wide range of tasks, including providing companionship, education, and assistance with daily living activities. Social robots can provide consistent, non-judgemental support, can be programmed to meet individual and/or group needs, can help reduce social isolation and can promote independence. More information about our social robotics for inclusion activities.

Objectives & Research Themes 

QUT aims to become a leader in social robotics research, and already conducts research on a range of projects specifically related to disability support.  QUT is already a leader in key fields that underpin inclusive social robotics research: AI for vision and language, Human-Computer Interactions, Inclusive Design. 

A smiling woman in a pink shirt and a white humanoid robot appearing to be about to shake handsQUT’s preferred Social Model for disability inclusion places emphasis on creating inclusive spaces and culture, making it the perfect foundation for QUT’s proposed research focus.  Our approach incorporates co-designing and iteratively prototyping with end users to ensure that technology solutions genuinely meet their needs. We leverage co-design methodologies, competency-based design, and generative AI to develop social robots tailored to the abilities and needs of disabled individuals that are inclusive, empowering, and culturally sensitive. 

With additional funding support, we could accelerate our research activity, with the following objectives: 

  • Investigate the role of social robots in inclusive work environments, housing, driving, learning, and informal learning, and where social robots can deliver maximum value. 
  • Evaluate the social and psychological impacts of social robots on individuals and communities, to understand the implications thereof, and mitigate against downsides. 
  • Explore the potential of new generative AI technologies in enhancing self-expression, communication, and general capabilities of service robots.

Our research ambition is centred around 5 lifestyle-centric themes: 

  1. Inclusive Work: We explore the integration of social robots in the workplace, facilitating learning and remembering, offering accessible work tools, and providing companionship and community-building opportunities. 
  2. Inclusive Housing: We create technology solutions, including “Magic Mirrors” and conversational agents, to foster independence and support within the housing environment. 
  3. Inclusive Driving: We investigate the use of social robotics, cognitive aids and Ai tools to support driving and autonomous vehicle experiences. 
  4. Inclusive Learning: We support content development and personalisation, including through generative AI, to empower vocational and on-the-job learning. 
  5. Inclusive Informal Learning: We envision that social robots can be well integrated into community spaces like museums, cafes, and workplaces to engage more inclusively with all users, including the disabled.  

We have already started with exploring 1, 2, 4 and 5. 

A man standing in front of a very large screen . holding a toothbrush, and someone next to him holding a laptop. The screen displays an image of the man as well as a timer and a video showing another toothbrushMultidisciplinary Research 

We follow a multidisciplinary research approach, involving human-computer interaction (HCI) expertise, co-design methodologies, accessibility principles, and innovative technologies. Our projects can include ethnographic studies, participatory design workshops, and usability testing with the end-users. 

Anticipated Outcomes of Accelerated research 

Additional funding support would accelerate a high-impact research program that is directed at advancing social robotics for disability support, inclusion, empowerment, and dignity preservation in Australia.  

Our research methodologies align with principles of inclusivity, co-design, and competency-based design, and promises tangible benefits for the disabled community, and the Australian community at large. Such benefits include: 

  1. Improving the quality of life for people with disabilities by providing them with access to new and innovative technologies that can support their daily living. 
  1. Reducing the cost of disability support by developing technologies that can provide some of the services that are currently provided by human caregivers.  
  1. Creating high value jobs in the social robotics sector, a rapidly growing industry worldwide.

Funders and Supporters of our Research can anticipate the following beneficial outcomes for Australian society: 

  • Enhanced Dignity & Empowerment: Social robotic applications designed to meet the unique needs and abilities of disabled individuals in a way that will empower them to be active participants in society, promoting self-expression and independence. 
  • Increased Inclusivity: Research findings will contribute to a more inclusive Australia by creating technology solutions that support disabled individuals in more aspects of life – their workplaces, homes, driving, and learning environments. 
  • Economic Benefits: The deployment of social robots will lead to more employment opportunities, boost productivity, and underpin a more supportive ecosystem for people with disabilities. 
  • Best Practices: Establishment of best practices and guidelines for the ethical and responsible use of social robots in disability support. 
  • Translatable benefits for all Australians: When technologies are developed and deployed for disabled persons, those technologies often also benefit the non-disabled as well, often in unforeseen ways. 

Contacts 

To find out more about QUT’s capabilities and vision, please contact: