The Nature of Human-Robot Relations: Anthropomorphism and Bodies

The University of Melbourne ECR grant of Dr Simon Coghlan on the philosophical challenges of human-robot relations.


Lifelike robots will increasingly become parts of our lives, as assistants, carers, ‘companions’, and perhaps even ‘friends’. Such a development raises profound issues about how to relate to social machines. This project investigates the nature of human-robot relations and the role of anthropomorphism and bodies in constructing those interactions. It aims to contribute to growing debates about social robots and to help prepare developers and policymakers for a robot future.

  • Research Fellow Simon Coghlan

    Dr Simon Coghlan

    Senior Lecturer in Digital Ethics

    Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology

    University of Melbourne