My research explores the concept of community robotics. This means developing and designing robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) that centre communities as users. I intend to develop design principles, values and frameworks that include communities as key stakeholders in the innovation of RAS technology.

By balancing the role, assistance, and automation of RAS with the preservation and promotion of the positive impact and benefits that come with being part of a community (belonging, social cohesion, mental and physical wellbeing), we can ensure that in the future, when robotics play an increasing role in daily life, we can create RAS technology that works in service of community and for social value.

To design for a community as a user, a deep understanding of community is essential. My research draws on; ethnography, the study of communities and their culture, context and process; existing design for community and shared-use practice from across design disciplines; and the principles of collaborative participatory research.