Kerstin Cuhls

Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research

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About

Kerstin Cuhls is a leading expert in foresight, innovation, and technology assessment, with a particular focus on the societal implications of emerging technologies. Her research centers on how strategic foresight can shape policy and innovation pathways, especially in health and human-robot interaction. Cuhls is best known for her work on robotics for healthcare, where her 2008 report for the European Commission—cited 46 times—outlined how Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) could revolutionize medical care, from assistive robotics to telemedicine. This foundational contribution has informed EU policy and inspired subsequent research on aging populations and healthcare automation. More recently, her editorial work on human-social robot interactions (2023) explores the psychological and ethical dimensions of cohabiting with intelligent machines, reflecting her ongoing commitment to bridging technical innovation with human values. With a career spanning decades, Cuhls has shaped European foresight practices, advising institutions on long-term strategies. Her work remains vital for students and researchers navigating the complex interplay between technological progress and societal well-being.