RAI Institute
The Robotics and AI Institute focuses on advancing robotic systems through four core research areas: Cognitive Intelligence for enhanced reasoning and planning, Athletic Intelligence for improved locomotion and task execution, Organic Design for human-like hardware capabilities, and Ethics to address data collection and implementation concerns. These areas aim to create smarter, more agile robots that can assist in various applications.
RobotToday Initiative
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
What Makes a Job Dull, Dirty, or Dangerous?
Researchers from the RAI Institute have presented a new framework aimed at redefining the concepts of “dull, dirty, and dangerous” (DDD) work in robotics at the 21st ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction in Edinburgh, Scotland. Their study, which analyzes robotics publications from 1980 to 2024, reveals that only a small percentage of these works define DDD or provide specific examples. The team emphasizes that the classification of jobs as DDD is influenced by social, economic, and cultural factors, and they advocate for a deeper understanding of workers' perspectives. The researchers conducted a comprehensive review of social science literature to refine definitions of DDD tasks. They found that dangerous work often goes underreported, with significant gaps in data related to gender and employment status. Similarly, dirty work encompasses not only physical aspects but also social stigma, while dull work is often mischaracterized without considering the experiences of those performing the tasks. By proposing a framework that incorporates worker insights and contextual factors, the researchers aim to guide the robotics community in identifying jobs that could benefit from automation without stripping away the meaningful aspects of the work. They highlight the waste and recycling industry as a case study, noting that while it is perceived as a DDD job, many workers find pride and enjoyment in their roles. The researchers call for further exploration of how robotics can enhance safety and efficiency while preserving the positive elements of work.
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RAI Institute Study: Driving Boston Dynamics' Spot Changes How People See Robots
A 10-week study of 753 mall visitors found that driving Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot for just minutes significantly boosted comfort and acceptance — even in homes and hospitals.
What Happened When We Set Up a Robotics Lab in a Mall
In summer 2025, the RAI Institute launched a free pop-up robot experience at the CambridgeSide mall, aimed at enhancing public understanding and comfort with robotics. This initiative came in response to a growing divide between sensational media portrayals of robots and the public's lack of direct experience with them. The event featured a museum showcasing historical and modern robots, alongside an interactive driving arena where visitors could control the Spot quadruped robot using a specially designed adaptive controller. Over approximately 10,000 visitors, 10 percent participated in surveys before and after their driving experience. Results indicated a significant increase in comfort levels across various contexts, particularly in outdoor and domestic scenarios, where initial skepticism was highest. Many participants reported feelings of excitement and happiness after interacting with the robot, with a notable shift in their perceptions of robots as potential companions rather than mere labor replacements. The findings suggest that hands-on experiences can effectively alter public attitudes towards robots, fostering acceptance in environments where ambivalence is prevalent. The RAI Institute plans to continue exploring these interactions to further understand their impact on societal attitudes towards robotics. This research was presented at the 2026 ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction in Edinburgh, Scotland.
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