Industrial Automation Magazine India

European Commission project allows citizens to influence upcoming robotics solutions

Published on : Tuesday 20-09-2022

The initiative already counts eight artificial intelligence-driven technologies that are currently under development.

September 19, 2022 – The Robotics4eu project, an initiative funded by the European Union, is carrying out a citizens' audit on robots with artificial intelligence. The survey-style initiative takes place until the 15 of October. The citizens' answers will be given directly to the companies behind the robotics solutions.

The initiative already counts eight artificial intelligence-driven technologies that are currently under development. The solutions to give feedback are various: from a robot that gives throat swabs, to a humanoid that assists medical personnel and even a solution that aims to protect farmers' crops. More robots are expected to be added in the following weeks and any European company with an artificial intelligence robotic solution under development may apply for this service.

The goal of the audits is, on one hand, to enable the citizens to impact the future of these robots, and, on the other hand, to give European companies the opportunity to understand the acceptance and societal readiness of their technologies, before they enter the market. According to Anneli Roose, coordinator of the Robotics4eu project "We believe in the power of co-creation and in the citizens’ involvement in an early stage for a better acceptance of robotics solutions by society".

Robotics4eu has been working towards a more widespread adoption of AI robots, by promoting the societal acceptance of robotics solutions through the advocation of responsible robotics amid all stakeholders. Among several activities, the project has been touring Europe with a virtual reality robots' exhibition and has made a consultation with more than 700 citizens to analyse their attitude towards robotics. All conclusions and materials are available on the project website.

Eve by Halodi Robotics, aims to improve patient care and outcomes with the help of a humanoid robotic assistant. The goal is to create a solution that reduces costs, improves service, and assists healthcare providers.

The surveys are available on the robotics4eu website.