Italian Journal of Health Education, Sports and Inclusive Didactics
SOCIAL ROBOTICS TO PROMOTE INCLUSIVE EDUCATIONAL PROCESSES: A STUDY ON FUTURE EDUCATORS’ PERCEPTIONS
Abstract
This exploratory research aims to explore the role of social robotics in educational contexts, with the goal of preserving the socio-emotional and non-linear dimension of learning in the era of the Fourth Revolution. Conducted with Italian and Spanish university students, the study adopts a mixed-methods approach to analyze future educators’ perceptions of the educational and relational potential of robotic technologies and their integration into learning environments, following an experience with the social robots Unitree Go2 and Pepper. The results highlight a widespread openness to the use of social robotics as a tool to support interaction, participation and emotional engagement, especially in contexts involving individuals with Special Educational Needs (SEN). From this perspective, social robotics emerges as an inclusive educational device capable of enhancing, without replacing, the teacher’s role in building authentic and meaningful educational relationships.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.32043/gsd.v10i3.1789
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Italian Journal of Health Education, Sports and Inclusive Didactics
Publisher: Cares srl – REN Press (since 2026). Previously published by Gaia srl – Edizioni Universitarie Romane (2017–2025).
ISSN: 2532-3296 E-ISSN: 3103-5744