Embodied Agents and the Quest for a Sustainable Technological Future
The Focus Group „Embodied Agents and the Quest for a Sustainable Technological Future“ involves Philosopher in Residence Apl.-Prof. Dr. Yvonne Förster, her host Prof. Dr. Klaus Bengler, his team and the Munich Institute for Robotic and Machine Intelligence (MIRMI).
Our project examines the concept of embodiment in robotics from a philosophical perspective, aiming to deepen our understanding of how robots, as embodied agents, shape human environments. By combining the expertise of the Chair of Ergonomics with philosophical insights into human–robot interaction, we address pressing questions concerning autonomous artificial agents in two key domains: autonomous driving and the life and healthcare sector.
These domains serve as case studies for two guiding research questions:
- Embodied cognition in humans and robots – How can these be compared to improve our understanding of direct human–robot interaction? This question will be explored through the design and application of robots in life and healthcare settings.
- Technology’s impact on human life-worlds – How can emerging technologies shape human environments in sustainable and meaningful ways? This broader question will be examined within the contexts of autonomous driving and assistive robotics.
Ultimately, the project seeks to expand the scope of human-centered design by incorporating issues of sustainability, the co-evolution of humans and technology, and the development of an inclusive and ethically grounded technological culture.