Max Tretter

Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Twitter (United States)

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Max Tretter is a pioneering voice at the intersection of theology, robotics, and religious studies, exploring how emerging technologies reshape ancient spiritual questions. His key research areas include robot theology, the integration of robots in religious practices, and the role of spiritual care in care robotics. Tretter’s major contributions include coining and developing the field of “Robot Theology,” which reframes traditional theological inquiries—such as personhood, ritual, and ethics—through the lens of human-robot interaction. His most-cited work, “Robot Theology: Old Questions through New Media” (2023, 27 citations), lays the groundwork for this interdisciplinary dialogue. In “Robots in Religious Practices: A Review” (2024, 11 citations), he provides the first comprehensive overview of robots performing religious functions, a vital resource for scholars. Tretter also addresses a critical gap in healthcare robotics with “What about spiritual needs? Care robotics and spiritual care” (2024), arguing that holistic care must include spiritual dimensions often overlooked in technological design. His work challenges both theologians and engineers to consider the ethical and existential implications of robotic presence in sacred and caring spaces. Tretter’s research is essential for anyone interested in the future of faith, technology, and human dignity.