# Episode 79: The social side of robot design - Ella Maule

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2024-04-05
- Length: 22m
- Episode: 79
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-04-05-episode-79-the-social-side-of-robot-design-ella-maule
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-seventy-nine-ella-maule

## Summary

Ella Maule, a PhD student at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, explains her research on 'community robotics,' a field that centers communities as stakeholders in robotic innovation rather than just individual users. She discusses the challenges of bridging the language gap between engineering and social sciences, and the importance of addressing public fear and skepticism through technology literacy and equitable design. Maule also highlights the role of representation and support networks in inspiring girls to enter tech, citing examples like Arab Now's Joe DeSilva.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-04-05-episode-79-the-social-side-of-robot-design-ella-maule#t=8) Introduction: Robot Talk and Community Robotics
- [2:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-04-05-episode-79-the-social-side-of-robot-design-ella-maule#t=135) Defining Community Robotics and Social Value
- [4:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-04-05-episode-79-the-social-side-of-robot-design-ella-maule#t=273) Community vs. Individual Needs in Design
- [8:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-04-05-episode-79-the-social-side-of-robot-design-ella-maule#t=514) Logistical Challenges of Engaging Communities
- [10:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-04-05-episode-79-the-social-side-of-robot-design-ella-maule#t=614) Public Fear, Skepticism, and Technology Literacy
- [13:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-04-05-episode-79-the-social-side-of-robot-design-ella-maule#t=813) Interdisciplinary Skills and Bridging Language Gaps
- [17:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2024-04-05-episode-79-the-social-side-of-robot-design-ella-maule#t=1036) Inspiring Girls in Tech: Representation and Support

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Bristol Robotics Laboratory (company)
- Women in Robotics UK (other)
- Arab Now (company)
- Vogue (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [525: Some Sort of Metal](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-05-14-525-some-sort-of-metal) (Embedded.fm)
- [375: Hiding in Your Roomba](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-06-03-375-hiding-in-your-roomba) (Embedded.fm)
- [465: Dinosaurs, Pirates, Spaceships](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-12-01-465-dinosaurs-pirates-spaceships) (Embedded.fm)
- [Kate Darling on the Future of Robotics and AI Ethics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2023-10-24-kate-darling-on-the-future-of-robotics-and-ai-ethics) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [406: R2D2 Is a Trash Can](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2022-03-17-406-r2d2-is-a-trash-can) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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