Ulrike Pompe

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Ulrike Pompe is a leading voice in the ethics of human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on the care of older adults. Her work critically examines the moral implications of deploying social robots in the "Fourth Age"—the final stage of life marked by significant physical and cognitive decline. In her most cited paper, "Ethical Considerations Regarding the Use of Social Robots in the Fourth Age" (78 citations), Pompe navigates beyond the polarized debates of techno-optimism and dystopian fear, offering a nuanced framework for evaluating when and how robotic care can be ethically justified. She argues that the central challenge is not whether robots should be used, but how to ensure they respect the dignity, autonomy, and emotional needs of vulnerable individuals. Pompe’s contributions have shaped policy discussions and informed the design of care technologies that prioritize human well-being over efficiency. Her work is essential reading for researchers and students in robot ethics, gerontology, and human-robot interaction, providing a balanced, human-centered perspective on one of the most pressing ethical questions of our aging society.