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Robots are being used in more and more applications. In industry, at home, but especially in the service sector. Technological developments in this area are advancing rapidly, but our knowledge on how to best utilize robots in practice is lagging significantly behind, according to Jana Holthöwer. She studies the interaction between consumers and robots. ‘Robots are more than just technical tools – they shape how people experience care, support, and services. The key is not to use them in all circumstances, but to identify the moments when they actually add value.’

Teleconsultations, patient portals, and home-monitoring devices. Governments and healthcare institutions see digital care as the solution. Assistant professor Esther Metting, an expert in digital care, also sees the potential. At the same time, she emphasizes that many people are currently being left behind digitally. In this episode of the JTS Scholars, she explains what we can do about that.

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) offers new opportunities for healthcare. From analysing medical scans to predicting disease progression, AI can support doctors in making complex decisions. But how reliable are these models? And how can we ensure that AI enriches medical practice without losing the human factor?

Raffaella Carloni develops artificial limbs, including the bionic leg for which she received the 2024 Ben Feringa Impact Award. ‘I am fascinated by robotics and dream of replicating the remarkable abilities of the human body.'