Embodied AI for Wellbeing: Exploring the Opportunities for Social Robots

About the Project

Although therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy and mindfulness programmes are effective, according to study reported by Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy, systemic barriers, including resource shortages, delivery variability, and long waiting times, limit accessibility and consistency (Peipert, et al., 2022). A meta-analysis found that stand-alone mindfulness exercises, even outside larger therapeutic frameworks, produce small to medium reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms (Blanck et al., 2018), whereas digital wellbeing tools, including mindfulness apps, have improved access but struggle with user trust, engagement, and long-term adherence (Borghouts et al., 2021).

In contrast, social robots offer embodied, relational interactions that may sustain engagement and provide more consistent support. Studies show that robot coaches can effectively deliver mindfulness and wellbeing interventions, fostering acceptance and interaction beyond digital-only tools (Bodayla et al., 2020, Klęczek et al., 2024). Grounded in multidisciplinary research, human-centred design and aligned with development in the field of psychology, embodied AI represents a promising avenue.

Academic qualifications

Have, or expect to achieve by the time of start of the studentship a first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, ideally in Human-Robot Interaction or equivalent with a good fundamental knowledge of , Psychology, User Experience, Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction and Computer Science.

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• User-Centred Design
• User Research
• Dialogue Management
• Data Analysis
• Strong ethical approach
• Critical thinking
• Communication skills
• Openness to learning
• Problem solving skills
• Reading and writing skills
• Only a first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level in a subject relevant to the PhD project will be considered, or equivalent achievements.

Desirable attributes:

• Experience with procedural audio or real-time sound synthesis
• Practical experience in research or industry will be considered an advantage.

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (download)
• Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about:
  1. Background and motivation of the project. The motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
  2. Research questions or objectives.
  3. Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
  4. List of references.

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

To be considered, the application must use

• the advertised title as project title

For informal enquiries about this PhD project, please contact Dr Emilia Sobolewska email E.Sobolewska@napier.ac.uk