Robot for Public Good

Robot for Public Good: Empathy, Ethics, and Play in Human–Robot Interaction is an interactive demo exploring how robots can embody empathy, ethics, and community values while promoting emotional learning. Using an expressive, AI-driven robot, the installation invites visitors to experience how technology can model care, curiosity, and civic awareness.

The demo highlights how robots can serve as learning companions to help children and particularly children with autism develop emotional intelligence and social understanding. Through short, guided interactions, the robot recognizes facial expressions, responds playfully to human emotions, and prompts participants to reflect on empathy, fairness, and trust in technology.

By blending education, ethics, and design, Robot for Public Good transforms abstract concepts like responsible AI and inclusion into joyful, tangible experiences. The project demonstrates how robotics can support diverse learning needs while encouraging the public to see AI as a tool for compassion, connection, and civic engagement.

Robot for Public Good is a project by the Assistive Robotics Tech Research Group @ CUNY AI Tech Innovation Hub led by Dr. Azhar.