Call for papers: IROS workshop on science communication

Understanding Robotics and Public Opinion:
Best Practices in Public Science Communication and Online Dissemination
IROS Workshop 2013 in Tokyo, Japan
November 7, 9am – 12:30pm
Submission deadline: October 15

Robotics is widely discussed in mainstream media, with headlines that play to both the public’s fascination of robots and its fears. As robotics researchers, we have a deep vested interest to be part of this dialogue, and are ideally positioned to demystify robotic technologies, spur innovation, and raise ethical and legal questions that require discussion. 

During this half-day workshop, attendees will:

1. Learn the basics of science communication.
2. Review robotics coverage in mainstream media.
3. Identify key topics in robotics that should be highlighted in the public discourse, and determine how to best drive the discussion.

Speakers and panelists include:

• Evan Ackermann, IEEE Spectrum, USA
• Peter Asaro, The New School for Public Engagement, USA
• Ryan Calo*, University of Washington, USA
• Travis Deyle*, Hizook, USA
• Dario Floreano, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH
• Sabine Hauert, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
• Cécile Huet, European Commission, EU
• Andra Keay, Robot LaunchPad & Silicon Valley Robotics, USA
• Chris Mailey, Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, USA
• AJung Moon*, University of British Columbia & Roboethics Info Database, Canada
• Bruno Siciliano, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Italy
• Alan Winfield*, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK

We welcome contributions about robotics in the public discourse (opinions, overviews and examples). Contributions can be made in video, audio or written format (1 page minimum) by October 15 and emailed to: workshop@robotsassociation.org. Select contributors will have the opportunity to give a short presentation during the workshop. In addition, contributions will be published on Robohub as part of a focus series on “Robotics in the public discourse”.

Topics of interest include, but are in no way limited to:

• Robotics in the media
• Public perception of robotics
• Overview or discussion about hot topics in robotics (drones, jobs, quality of life, healthcare, education, killer robots)
• The role of the scientist in communicating with the public
• Best practices in communicating about robotics
• Engaging youth and minorities through science communication
• Roboethics

We also accept examples of high quality science communication about your own research.

For more information, see:
Workshop website
Video
Call for Papers
Full Program

Organizers:
Sabine Hauert, MIT, USA
Bruno Siciliano, UNINA, Italy
Markus Waibel, ETH Zurich, Switzerland

Sabine Hauert is President of Robohub and Associate Professor at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory

Sabine Hauert is President of Robohub and Associate Professor at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory