Exploring Inclusive Robots: Future of Work

David Abbink from Delft University of Technology, the current winner of the prestigious Stevin bonus, shares insights on his research on the future of work. Together with the host, Dr. Claudia Werker from the same university, he has been working together in a vision team on robots at work. This is the last episode of our podcast series on Inclusive Research and Innovation (IRI) in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) before the summer break. David Abbink is a full professor in haptic human-robot interaction and a mechanical engineer specializing in sensory motor control. He shares his journey from initially focusing on human-robot interaction within traditional engineering disciplines to embracing a more interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach. This approach involves collaborating with social scientists, designers, and industry stakeholders to develop innovative and inclusive technological solutions. David highlights the significance of considering the diverse needs of workers in different industries throughout the research and development process. The goal of technological interventions are not only to improve efficiency but also job satisfaction and inclusivity. He emphasizes the importance of responsible research and innovation in his interdisciplinary work and discusses the challenges of adapting technologies to diverse and challenging work environments.