Robot Navel: The empathetic helper of the future in the classroom!

Robot Navel: The empathetic helper of the future in the classroom!

Social robots are becoming increasingly important in care and education. A notable example is the humanoid robot Navel, which, with its empathetic communication and human-like appearance, is used to provide support in nursing and retirement homes. Navel measures 75 cm, has googly eyes and wears a knitted hat. Professor Dr. Dr. Herbert Stettberger from the Heidelberg University of Education has dedicated a research semester to Navel and is researching the role of empathy in interpersonal communication and in interreligious dialogue. Stettberger emphasizes the importance of empathy in conflict resolution and at the same time examines whether artificial intelligence like Navel can also be useful in a school context.

In a study with Professor Dr. Klaus Bengler from the Technical University of Munich is researching how students interact with Navel. High school students had ten-minute conversations on topics such as figure skating, religion and love. The results were consistently positive; The students experienced Navel as friendly and more human compared to other technological tools. They appreciated the robot's appreciative communication, but could not imagine a close relationship of trust with the AI. Stettberger sees Navel as an opportunity to help students change their perspectives and reduce conflict, but is also concerned about a possible dependency on machines.

Research on social robots

Research on social robots is a dynamic field. The research project NIKA, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, has been investigating how social robots can be used in geriatric care for over three years. The aim of the project is to identify opportunities and requirements for the use of such technologies. Social robots like Navel are equipped with artificial intelligence and sensors and enable real-time interaction with their users. These robots can understand questions, give answers and carry out simple dialogues.

The possible uses of social robots are diverse: they provide support in games, help with internet use or alert in an emergency. In order to promote positive interactions, the project also examined which type of robot is best received by older people. Humanoid robots were preferred because they can achieve more emotional expression and have a more positive impact on the well-being of users. In addition to the robot Navel, the humanoid model “Pepper” is also used, which has also proven to be suitable for preventing loneliness and training memory.

Challenges and ethical questions

However, the development of social robots raises numerous ethical questions. It is essential to recognize the limits of their abilities, as they cannot replace human attention. This is also addressed in current research that deals with the challenges of ethics when dealing with robots. It is undisputed that social robots can help relieve the burden on caregivers, but their long-term impact on human behavior and interpersonal relationships remains unclear and should be examined in detail in long-term studies.

In summary, research on Navel and other social robots shows the potential of these technologies, both in the care and education sectors. Nevertheless, ethical, social and technical challenges must be addressed to ensure that the use of robots is designed in the interests of everyone involved. The studies by Stettberger and other researchers point to the need to continue the dialogue about the use of AI and robotics in society.

For more information about Navel and its ongoing research projects, please visit PH Heidelberg, Retirement home magazine and DRZE.