Social and emotional robots

The procurement consists of two (2) programmable and interactive social and emotional humanoid/service robots, one for Oulu University of Applied Sciences and one for the Joint Municipal Authority for Education, OSAO. The robots will be placed in R&D environments and used for education, research, and the development of social, health, and rehabilitation services in collaboration with companies. The robots will be utilized in educational and corporate settings, as well as in teaching, to demonstrate scenarios where robotics-assisted activities are needed - such as leading a physical activity session or facilitating an interactive situation. Students from various fields of study must be able to program the robot, and citizens must be able to test and interact with the robot's AI in Finnish. The following use case descriptions illustrate how the robots being procured will be utilized: Use Case 1: Logistics Exercise in a Simulation Environment In the RoboSoteLab learning environment of the contracting entity, students will practise patient safety and internal logistics processes within a department. The robot will be integrated into the simulation, transporting medications or medical equipment between various locations. Students will practise using the robot, programming it, and controlling it interactively - while simultaneously learning about the possibilities of robotics in practical working life. Use Case 2: Social Interaction in Daytime Activities The robot will support social activities, for example in assisted living units. The robot may greet people, remind them of the daily schedule, or serve as a tool in group activities, such as leading a physical activity session or engaging in brief conversations that stimulate the participants. The procurement is funded by the Council of Oulu Region, RoboSoteLab project (Just Transition Fund, JTF).