Description: Human-centered robotics is an approach that seeks to enhance human capabilities and experiences through interaction with robots. This concept is based on the idea that technology should be designed and used to complement and enhance human skills rather than replace them. Human-centered robotics focuses on creating robotic systems that are intuitive, accessible, and seamlessly integrated into people’s daily lives. This approach considers aspects such as ergonomics, usability, and empathy, ensuring that robots are not only functional but also friendly and understandable for users. As technology advances, human-centered robotics becomes increasingly relevant, especially in contexts where collaboration between humans and robots can improve efficiency and quality of life, such as in healthcare, education, and personal assistance.
History: The concept of human-centered robotics began to take shape in the 1990s when researchers started to recognize the importance of designing robots that could effectively interact with people. One significant milestone was the development of social robots, which focused on emotional and social interaction with humans. Over the years, human-centered robotics has evolved, incorporating advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, allowing robots to better understand human needs and behaviors.
Uses: Human-centered robotics is used in various applications, including healthcare, where robots can assist healthcare professionals in patient care. It is also applied in education, facilitating learning through interaction with educational robots. In the home environment, personal assistance robots help elderly or disabled individuals perform daily tasks, improving their quality of life.
Examples: An example of human-centered robotics is the Pepper robot, designed to interact with people and provide companionship and assistance in environments such as stores and hospitals. Another example is the Lokomat rehabilitation robot, which helps patients regain mobility through personalized training tailored to their needs.
