Using an Autonomous Humanoid Robot as a Pedagogical Platform in the Business Classroom

Abstract

Experience using an autonomous humanoid robot as a pedagogical platform in the business classroom at a liberal arts university sheds light on ways to engage learning in the digital age when student attention is easily diverted. Measurable outcomes include: stimulating raw critical thinking, readily applying theory to practice, facilitating non-digital communication, and mediating relationships. Moreover, the robot helps directly engage students in analytical problem solving, structured v. unstructured decision making, and exploring the core functional areas of the firm – all critical to understanding the modern world of business.