Are we prepared to coexist with robots?

      One of the most significant potential benefits of the rise of intelligent AI is its ability to provide access. Access to goods, services, and information for all, rather than just a select few.

      Victoria Slivkoff, Head of Ecosystem at Walden Catalyst and Managing Director of Extreme Tech Challenge—a nonprofit focused on uniting startups and venture capitalists to accelerate progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—is optimistic about the future. She believes that the tangible presence of AI could help us move closer to achieving these ambitious objectives.

      “We are now entering the realm of reasoning. AI is not simply collecting and organizing data; it’s making predictions and drawing conclusions. How will this apply in the real world where robots can perceive, learn, and interact with their environment?” she explained to TNW founder Boris Veldhuijzen van Zaten during the most recent episode of “Kia’s Next Big Drive.”

      In the interview, Victoria and Boris discuss how emerging technologies can be leveraged for a positive global impact while driving to TNW2025 in Kia’s 100% electric EV9 SUV.

      In the near future, we might witness robots regularly navigating busy streets, offices, and classrooms. However, as they become more integrated into our daily lives, will it be them or us who must adapt more?

      Imagine this scenario: you're waiting for an elevator and a robot arrives at the same time. Who should enter first? If there’s only space for one, do you expect the robot to yield, or would you apply a "first come, first served" rule?

      Research indicates that most people tend to expect service robots to be subordinate, leading humans to prioritize themselves in conflicts, even in situations where the robot's task is more critical.

      What happens if a robot is executing a time-sensitive task? The longer it waits while there are humans in line, the longer it will take to finish its job, whether it’s delivering a hot pizza or crucial medical supplies. So, how can robots navigate these social intricacies without being overlooked, undermined, or bullied?

      This question motivated researchers to investigate last year in a study titled "A Robot Jumping the Queue: Expectations About Politeness and Power During Conflicts in Everyday Human-Robot Encounters."

      The findings suggested that interactions between humans and robots were more successful when participants anticipated an assertive robot that politely requested priority and entered first. However, it’s not just robots that must prepare for integration into human society. The researchers noted that we may also need to reconsider our attitudes and behavior towards robots:

      “Should we begin to consider service robots as having certain rights regarding priority if they perform tasks typically associated with human jobs or act as representatives for people? This could also help tackle the issue of robot bullying.”

      As robots assume more responsibilities and develop reasoning and sentience, at what point should we reassess their social standing?

      Social robots—crafted to communicate and engage with humans—are increasingly used in caregiving, education, and mental health settings. They help to fill service gaps, alleviate isolation, and provide emotional or educational support.

      Utrecht University of Applied Sciences is exploring how robots can do more than just serve; they can enhance and enrich human-centered fields. For instance, in healthcare, how can robots help reduce pre-procedure anxiety in children or teach emotional skills to young patients who struggle with emotion regulation?

      At last year’s Lowlands Science festival, the University introduced WOKEbot, a project examining how a robot's appearance and narrative voice (first vs. third person) affect human willingness to discuss contentious topics.

      “Disagreements are timeless. People often find ways to resolve them, but sometimes they just can't connect anymore. We witnessed this on a large scale during the recent coronavirus pandemic. Are you pro or anti-vaccination? When individuals become entrenched, the threat of polarization emerges, making a neutral mediator beneficial,” stated Dr. Mirjam de Haas. “Robots have the advantage of being more neutral than humans. While you may hold back with a person, a robot might help you be more open to different viewpoints.”

      As part of her PhD research, Dr. Haas successfully conducted various experiments using robotics to teach Dutch as a second language to students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. During her thesis defense, she explained that in the future, classrooms will be filled with an increasing number of students. Having a robot assist in learning could benefit all students, including those with learning disabilities or those who haven't yet mastered Dutch.

      Is the world safe for robots?

      Perhaps the most iconic robot in popular culture is The Terminator. In the first film, a cyborg portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger is sent back in time to eliminate the mother of humanity’s future leader. However, in the sequel, the antagonist returns with a new objective: to save humanity.

      The SDGs were adopted by all UN member states in 2015. A decade later, in a world moving further from the 17 promises designed for people