WS3: Societal Challenge
More details coming soon!
WS3: Addressing the Societal Challenge of Aging through Integrated Robotic Support Systems
- Katja Mombaur, Karlsruhe Institute of TechnologyPrincipal Organizer
- Yasuhisa Hirata, Tohoku University
- Kensuke Harada, University of Osaka
- Marko Ackermann, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- Jose Salazar, Tohoku University
The global rise in aging populations presents a pressing societal challenge: how to maintain quality of life and independence for elderly and disabled individuals. Robotics offers promising solutions through adaptable physical assistance systems, such as humanoid robots, wearable devices, and smart mobility aids, that can be integrated into daily living environments. However, to achieve effective and personalized support, these technologies must be grounded in human-centered systems integration that considers not only technical performance but also emotional, behavioral, and cultural factors. This workshop will explore the development and deployment of robotic support systems tailored to the needs of an aging society. A key focus will be on the integration of intelligent sensing, actuation, and control architectures, as well as the use of digital twins, data-driven models that simulate user behavior and environmental context, to enable adaptive, personalized assistance. Discussions will also address challenges in modeling cognitive and emotional states, and the vital role of interdisciplinary collaboration across robotics, AI, behavioral science, and healthcare. Bringing together researchers and practitioners from diverse backgrounds and regions, the workshop aims to foster dialogue on both the technical and societal dimensions of assistive robotics, including user expectations, cultural acceptance, and ethical considerations in the design of next-generation support systems.