- What research can catalyze positive social impact with feasible advances in the state-of-the-art?
- How can costly mistakes be avoided in robotics technology development and adaptation?
- Current training does not equip researchers with the interdisciplinary tools, theories and perspectives necessary to answer such questions. The vision of SOCRATES is to fill this gap.
SOCRATES is the Rutgers Robotics NRT (National Research Traineeship) awarded in September 2020. This program creates a new vehicle for graduate training and convergence research that integrates the technology domains of robotics with social and behavioral sciences, including psychology, cognitive science and urban policy planning.
Traditional Objectives
The traditional objective of robotics research has been to provide automated platforms that operate at high-speed, accurately and consistently, such as in the context of manufacturing systems.
Emerging Applications
From telepresence, transportation, elder-care, remote health care, cleaning, to warehouse logistics and delivery, robotics will bring significant changes in individuals' lives and profound social impact, especially relating to The Future of Work.
Modern Considerations
As robots are being deployed in a wider variety of domains, it becomes important to consider other aspects, such as safety, adaptability to human desires, and nuanced societal impacts.
Key Questions
Program Focus
The SOCRATES program has a signature emphasis on the REAL challenge (Robotics for Everyday Living), training a new type of professional, the socially cognizant roboticist, through the convergence of:
- Socially aware technologists who must be able to develop intelligent devices in ways that coordinate with existing human and social behavior
- Technology-aware social scientists and policy-makers who can translate studies of robotics' social effects into actionable and technically-viable lessons
