Physical distancing and isolation measures are deemed critical to slow the spread of COVID-19. However, these measures present important dilemmas. Isolation can cause a significant impact on psychological well-being. Additionally, physical distancing is not always possible, especially for healthcare personnel on the front-line, who consequently become exposed to a high risk of contagion. Social robots could be key to solve these impasses.

Dr. Aymerich-Franch reflects on the strategic roles that social robots could fulfill to facilitate physical distancing as well as to reduce the drawbacks of isolation during the pandemic.

Reference article: Aymerich-Franch, L. Why it is time to stop ostracizing social robots. Nat Mach Intell (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42256-020-0202-5