BIP: HERO – Human-centred and Ethical Robotics for Health and Well-being

This course is aimed at anyone interested in the application of human-centred and ethical robotics in health and wellbeing, with particular attention to ageing, artificial intelligence, and technology transfer. It is organised by the Innovation Hub in Robotics (IHR) at the University of Genoa, in collaboration with the Departments of Engineering (DIBRIS) and Health Sciences (DISALL).

Please be aware that your home university may set a different application deadline depending on their internal selection process.

Registration dates 15 January 2026 30 April 2026

Course dates 29 June 2026 03 July 2026

Registration is open

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Course Outline

The course aims to foster a transdisciplinary approach on robotics, exploring how to support health and wellbeing through human-centred design, ethical principles, and responsible innovation. Adopting the perspectives of multiple stakeholders, the different stages of research and innovations will be illustrated by the means of concrete case studies from molecular sciences, clinical research, public health and industrial partnerships, emphasising the process of responsible transfer to clinical care.

Participants will work both individually and in small interdisciplinary groups created in collaboration with the BIP ‘AWAKE’ organized by DISALL, encouraging collaboration among students with diverse academic backgrounds. Active participation in discussions and collaborative activities is an essential component of the course.

Group activities will focus on the analysis of real-world case studies and the co-design of conceptual solutions addressing specific challenges in health and ageing. To obtain course credits, participants are expected to complete a final assignment, consisting of a short project or concept proposal and presentation.

Course Content

This course provides an interdisciplinary overview of human-centred and ethical robotics for health and wellbeing, integrating perspectives from robotics engineering, neuroscience, biomechanics, artificial intelligence, rehabilitation, and clinical practice.

It addresses the design and evaluation of assistive, wearable, and rehabilitative robotic systems, exploring sensorimotor control, physical human–robot interaction, and AI-driven adaptation, while also examining laboratory cutting-edge techniques in ageing research and clinical care. Emphasis is placed on user-centred evaluation methodologies and on pathways for technology transfer, bridging research innovation with real-world clinical and healthcare deployment through close collaboration between academia, healthcare professionals, and patient organisations.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will:

Demonstrate advanced knowledge of human-centred robotics applied to health, healthcare, and ageing contexts.
Understand the technological foundations of assistive, wearable, and rehabilitative robotic systems, including the role of artificial intelligence.
Understand entrepreneurship, innovation processes, and technology transfer pathways relevant to robotics and AI solutions in healthcare.

Upon completing this course, students will be prepared to:

Critically evaluate robotic and AI-based solutions for health and wellbeing in relation to user needs, clinical relevance, and innovation potential.
Design, present, and justify a conceptual robotic or AI-based solution addressing a specific health or ageing challenge.
Contribute effectively to interdisciplinary teams and engage with innovation and technology transfer processes supporting the translation of research outcomes into real-world healthcare applications.

Requirements

Language and level requirement: English (C1). The participation to the Ulysseus language courses is strongly encouraged – see also the Ulysseus Language Policy.
Expected participants: Master’s degree students in Robotics, Engineering, or related disciplines, with advanced skills in machine learning and programming, and experience with wearable devices.
Equipment: personal laptop.

Physical Mobility

The physical mobility part will be running from 29/06/26 to 03/07/26 in Genoa, Italy.

The activity will be hold at UniGe, between DIBRIS and DISALL departments.

The seminar focuses on fostering transdisciplinary collaboration and a practical, human-centred approach to robotics for health and wellbeing, closely connected with the local ecosystem and involving activities that co-design conceptual solutions, with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and technology transfer.

Agenda

Day 1

9:00 – 11:20 Introduction
11:30 – 13:00 Lecture & Workshop
14:00 – 16:30 Workgroup

Day 2

9:30 – 11:20 Lecture held by IH A&W
11:30 – 13:00 Lab visit & Workshop
14:00 – 16:30 Workgroup

Day 3

9:30 – 11:20 Lecture held by IHR
11:30 – 13:00 Lab visit & Workshop
14:00 – 16:30 Workgroup

Day 4

9:30 – 13:00 Lecture and Workshop held by DISALL dpt
14:00 – 16:30 Workgroup

Day 5

9:30 – 11:20 Entrepreneurship lecture
11:30 – 13:00 WG Presentations
Thank you & Farewell

Virtual Component

Practical Details Regarding the Virtual Component:

● The virtual component will be running from 22/06/26 to 26/06/26.
● Students will work remotely, with sessions conducted synchronously to allow real-time interaction, on the foundational aspect of matters, focusing on background research, theoretical issues and design.
● Final programme TBC.

Application Process

After completing your BIP template, please send it to your Local Mobility Officer to check it.

● CV, including personal contact details.
● A short bio accompanied by an outline of personal interests in the discipline, as well as potential ideas to explore and develop within the workgroup.
● Deadline for application: April, 30th, 2026.
● Maximum number of BIP participants: 20 students