Enhancing wellbeing through smart nudging and social robots- Prof. Cristina Mele

Abstract: 

This seminar explores the role of social robots as smart nudging, emphasizing their potential to enhance value co-creation and improve human experiences and wellbeing. Social robots, designed to interact socially and assist with tasks, are increasingly integrated into service provision, addressing both functional and emotional needs. Smart nudging, leveraging artificial intelligence, subtly influences decision-making processes to promote beneficial behaviors without restricting options. In this talk I will examine how AI-driven choice architectures can be leveraged to extend engagement, widen resource accessibility, and augment human agency. In detail, I will delve into the mechanisms through which social robots impact psychological, physical, and social wellbeing. Psychological wellbeing is enhanced through improved decision-making and mental engagement facilitated by smart nudges and AI-driven insights. Physical wellbeing benefits from the motivational and supportive roles of social robots, encouraging healthier behaviors and active living. Social wellbeing is bolstered by their interactive capabilities, which help mitigate loneliness and foster social bonds. By presenting findings from various field projects with the robots Pepper, Hiro, Abii, and others, I will provide insights into the theoretical contributions and practical impacts of social robots and smart nudging on overall human well-being.

Biography of the speaker:

Cristina Mele (PhD) is Full Professor of Service Innovation and the coordinator of the PhD in Management at the Department of Economics, Management and Institutions, University of Naples Federico II. She is delegated of Innovation and Third Mission at University of Naples “Federico II”. Her main research interests are innovation and smart technologies, value creation, markets and service ecosystems. She has more than 220 publications. Her articles have appeared in leading international journals, including Journal of The Academy of Marketing Science, Marketing Theory, Industrial Marketing Management, Journal of Business Research, Journal of Service Management, Journal of Service Theory and Practice and Managing Service Quality. Cristina is one of co-chairs of The Naples Forum on Service. She is on the editorial Review Board of Journal of Service Theory and Practice and The AMS review. She is an ISSIP ambassador (International Society of Service Innovation Professionals). She received the S-D logic Award (2019).

For further information, please contact Professor Margherita Pagani : margherita.pagani@skema.edu