Social robotics - a Horizon Scanning

There is extensive ongoing research and development in the field of social robotics. A social robot is a robot designed to interact with humans on a social level. Social robots have the ability to communicate through contextual cues, display learning behaviour and mimic certain emotional states. There are practical applications in several parts of society. In the military domain, however, social robots are less common. This report presents a horizon scanning study of social robotics. Its purpose is to serve as a basis for direction of the Swedish Armed Forces' research and technology development (R&D). The aim of the study is to describe the area and to analyse at a general level whether selected areas of civilian research can be used to strengthen existing or create new military capabilities. Furthermore, the ambition has been to identify research questions that are specific to the military context that civilian research does not address. There is already an understanding of scientific research and development in some parts of the Swedish Armed Forces R&D portfolio. It needs to be ensured that this understanding is maintained and further developed, not least in the form of collaboration with other actors. Furthermore, consideration should be given to whether new approaches to R&D are needed to better understand the opportunities that social robotics can provide in a military context, given the specific conditions and limitations of the defence sector.