Robots and artificial intelligence

For the second consecutive year, the Italian Institute of Technology has granted its patronage to the RomeCup. To understand the reasons behind this choice, our Alberta Testa interviewed Alessandra Sciutti, Tenure Track researcher and head of the Contact unit - Cognitive architectures for collaborative technologies. Her research focuses on the sensory and motor mechanisms underlying human interaction, with the aim of designing robots capable of communicating naturally with humans.

The starting point of the interview is the central theme of the 18th edition of RomeCup: “Human and artificial intelligence for holistic well-being”.
 

What do you expect from this edition of RomeCup?

"I find the theme chosen for this edition very interesting because it highlights the importance of collaboration between different forms of intelligence. The union between the capabilities of artificial intelligence and the skills of human cognition, which are still very different today, represents a fundamental key to achieving a common goal: well-being. This theme perfectly reflects the mission of our Institute, which aims to develop technologies capable of improving people's quality of life. One of the objectives of the Italian Institute of Technology is to carry out basic research and develop technologies that can really help people, and this is evident in all the pillars of our research. 

To date, IIT's production boasts more than 20,000 publications, over 800 active competitive projects and over 60 ERC projects, more than 1,300 active patent titles, over 900 signed commercial collaboration contracts, 37 established start-ups and more than 50 in the launch phase.

Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that can support us in this direction, with various applications. In my field, for example, we are developing robots that are increasingly capable of understanding and interacting with us. From collaborative robotics in industry, to rehabilitation and assistive robotics, the applications are numerous and can offer concrete support to people. But the potential of artificial intelligence extends far beyond robotics: from personalized medicine to the creation of new materials with innovative properties for environmental and social well-being. I believe it is essential to explore all the opportunities offered by technology, while always keeping a close eye on the challenges and possible risks. One of the aspects that I find most significant about RomeCup is its ability to bring new generations closer to science and technology. It is essential that people can learn about and understand the real potential of these tools, so that they can use them consciously and exploit them to improve their daily lives.
 

In the process of innovation and technological advancement, which leads machines to interact more and more naturally with human beings, what are the main challenges and opportunities?

"The idea of interacting naturally with a machine is a dream we have been cultivating for some time. It means moving from a technology that requires to be controlled step by step to a technology that becomes a true collaborator, capable of lightening the cognitive load of the user. This change is fundamental because it reduces the barrier to access to technology, making it more intuitive and adaptable to the needs of each individual. Accessible technology also means inclusion: an elderly person, a child or someone with a disability could benefit enormously. The potential is enormous, but so are the challenges. One critical aspect is language: today artificial intelligence can communicate in a surprisingly fluid way, but behind this ability there is no human intelligence, but rather a different type of processing based on statistical models and machine learning. This can lead to misunderstandings: if we attribute to the machine an understanding that it doesn't really have, we risk making decisions based on an illusion of intelligence. Machines don't have experience or awareness, and this is an important limitation to consider. We are working to make artificial intelligence more transparent and to develop machines that can better understand the context in which they operate, but there is still a long way to go”.

What could be the next big step in the relationship between man and machine?

“I believe we will see an acceleration in the integration of artificial intelligence into our daily activities. More and more people will be able to directly experience these technologies, with a significant impact in various sectors. One of the most discussed aspects concerns the influence of artificial intelligence on human creativity, such as in artistic and musical production, and the implications this will have on copyright and the value of human creativity. The long-term goal is to develop technologies that not only facilitate our activities, but do so in an ethical and conscious way, ensuring a balance between technological progress and social well-being. It is a complex challenge, but also a great opportunity for the future”.

Today's young people often feel disoriented, struggling to understand which skills will really be crucial for their future. Technological evolution is redefining the boundary between uniquely human abilities and those that can be automated. The real question that a young person asks is: what skills do I absolutely need to navigate this context? How can I face change without being overwhelmed by it?

“The answer, as simple as it may seem, is that the most important skill is learning to learn. Don't be afraid to face something new. Personally, my experience at the classical high school taught me just that: the ability to face a complex problem, accept the challenge and develop a method of continuous learning. It's not so much about acquiring a specific technical skill today, which could become obsolete, but rather training the mind to adapt, understand and get back into the game. In addition to this, another fundamental skill is knowing how to delve deeper without losing sight of the bigger picture. Being an expert in a particular field is important, but it is equally essential to maintain a curiosity about what is going on around you. During my doctorate, although I was working in robotics, I had the opportunity to take courses in neuroscience and nanotechnology. At first they seemed like distant worlds, but over time I realized that certain fundamental questions are common to many disciplines. This type of approach has been invaluable to me, because the comparison with different perspectives often leads to unexpected solutions. For this reason, I don't believe there is one “subject” that is more important than the others. What really makes the difference is the mentality with which you approach knowledge. It's a skill that isn't acquired immediately, nor does it give immediate results in the working world, but it's precisely for this reason that it should be cultivated from childhood, from primary school onwards”.
 

Any message for the boys and girls who will participate in robotics competitions and creative contests?

“Get your hands dirty, experiment, put yourself to the test. We live in an age where information comes at us from every direction, often distorted or influenced by enthusiasm and prejudice. There is no better antidote than practice. Trying, testing first-hand, understanding what's really behind an algorithm or a robotic system allows you to overcome unfounded fears and understand the real challenges of these sectors. And, above all, it shows that technology is not a closed world: female skills are increasingly present and necessary. Entering these environments, even as a young person, means contributing to change and building a new normality”.