Assembling human empathy towards care robots: The human labor of robot sociality. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kerruish, Erika
• Is Part Of: Emotion, space and society. Volume 41(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Care robot -- Empathy -- Assemblage -- Affect -- Paro -- Care-O-Bot -- Affective labor; Emotions -- Periodicals; Spatial behavior -- Periodicals; Space perception -- Periodicals; 152.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.emospa.2021.100840
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-4586

Abstract

Abstract: This paper conceptualizes human to robot empathy as empathetic arrangements configured in caring spaces. Analyzing empathy towards care robots as arrangements comprising robots, spaces, discourses, bodies and institutions enables recognition of the way empathy is about self-other relationships while eschewing an understanding of empathy in terms of a reciprocal relationship between human and robot. Situating the therapeutic, zoomorphic robot, Paro and the health care support robot, Care-O-Bot as part of empathetic arrangements draws attention to how the cultivation of empathy towards robots governs and regulates patient sociality. In particular, it shows that these robots do not function as substitutes for human carers but instead are dependent on human labor if they are to deliver therapy ethically and effectively. They rely on the affective labor of the patient and the labor of carers and others in the arrangement. Highlights: Human empathy towards robots can be examined as social-spatial assemblages or empathetic arrangements, shifting ethical concerns away from robots' inability to reciprocate. Examining human empathy toward care robots as empathetic arrangements draws attention to how empathy governs patient sociality. Care robots rely on the affective and other labor of patients and carers to care ethically and effectively.