When you think about robots, you may imagine scenes from a dystopian movie. But, one associate professor believes teaching robots about humans is actually beneficial.

Associate Professor Aniket Bera teaches computer science at Purdue University. He says teaching robots about human learning and behavior is key to their ability to navigate crowded areas.

Now, you may be wondering why on earth (pun intended!) this has any relevance to you.

Well, robots are being used for all sorts of tasks, such as food or package deliveries, already. And, some are being programmed to help rescue stranded people, assist in medical procedures, and more.

This is why Bera argues that robots should be taught how humans learn.

Basic programming only provides so many skills, but if robots can become more adaptable in the “physical world,” they can be more useful, especially in the event of an emergency.

The associate professor notes that teaching robots in “dynamic environments” is “important because for robots to be truly helpful in everyday life, they need to move safely and understand the actions of people around them.”

In other words, he intends to teach robots how to better handle “new or unpredictable” situations, especially those involving busy environments full of movement and activity.

Bera says, “Whether they’re helping at home, in healthcare settings, or in public settings, or even in military settings. This research also lays the groundwork for robots to work more naturally with humans, making them safer and more efficient.”