As part of the Women in AI month, the ELOQUENCE project has the pleasure of representing Dr Agnese Augello, a trailblazer in artificial intelligence and social robotics. Dr Augello, a researcher at the Institute for High-Performance Computing and Networking (ICAR) of the National Research Council (CNR), shared her journey, challenges, and vision for a more inclusive and ethical AI landscape.
AI and Social Robotics
Dr Augello’s path into AI began with her fascination with conversational agents. At ICAR, she is working on advancing social robotics and cognitive architectures. “The idea of creating machines capable of meaningful interactions with humans drew me in,” she explained. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between human and computer interactions by making AI systems more adaptive, ethical, and empathetic.
As part of the Augmented Human-Computer Interaction (AHCI) research group, Dr. Augello is engaged in projects ranging from augmented reality for surgical planning to digital therapeutics for children with chronic conditions. “One of the most exciting areas we’re exploring is the use of socially aware agents in virtual environments like the metaverse,” she shared.
Dr Augello also investigates how humans perceive robotic behaviour. She believes that understanding these dynamics is crucial to creating AI systems that are not only efficient but also socially and ethically responsible.
Dr Augello is currently leading a pilot for the ELOQUENCE project, which focuses on testing conversational agents for their ability to manage socially appropriate and bias-free dialogues. She explained, “Bias-free AI is essential for creating inclusive systems that cater to diverse audiences without reinforcing stereotypes.” This work aims to make virtual advisors more equitable and trustworthy, bridging cultural and linguistic differences.
Challenges and Diversity in AI
When asked about the challenges of being a woman in AI, Dr Augello was candid. “Balancing a demanding research career with family life is no small feat,” she noted. However, she emphasized that diversity, particularly the inclusion of women, enriches the field. “Women bring empathy and a different perspective, especially in areas like ethics and social behaviour modelling.” Dr Augello highlighted the need for flexible work environments, mentorship opportunities, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
For women aspiring to enter the AI world, Dr Agnese’s advice is simple yet powerful: “Believe in yourself, pursue your dreams, and don’t let stereotypes hold you back.” She envisions a future where AI systems are not only technically advanced but also transparent, ethical, and inclusive. Her dedication to creating systems that enhance human interactions while upholding ethical standards sets a benchmark for innovation.
Listen to the full podcast episode here.
