Abstract: In this talk I will present my framework for understanding human-robot relationships based on human-other bonds. I will focus on human-animal interactions and the positive effects of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), and propose that Robot-Assisted Therapy (RAT), with biomimetic robots, could benefit from a better understanding of the mechanisms of effect driving positive AAT outcomes. I will present work demonstrating that interactions with biomimetic robots could provide benefits mechanistically comparable to those provided by AAT animals. Further, I will explain how these results have been obtained independent of individual differences in personality or culture.

Short Bio: Dr. Collins holds an EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellowship at Sheffield Robotics, The University Of Sheffield. She obtained her PhD in Psychology and Social Robotics from the same institute. Dr. Collins also holds an MSc in Experimental Psychology from Sussex University, and a BA Honours in Philosophy from Cardiff University. Prior to becoming a research scientist, Dr. Collins worked for international organisations in the UK, Kenya and Japan. Her research interests include biomimetic and brain-based robotics, animal- and robot-assisted therapy, human-robot interaction, and the ethics of robotics and AI. She bases many of her robotic models on understandings of human-animal relationships. Dr. Collins is also the Working Groups Coordinator for the Foundation for Responsible Robotics.