World's First Robotic Psychiatrist® Applauds Actor's Skill in Robot Therapy Ad, Launches New "Dr. Joanne" Website
Mar 02, 2016, 03:52 ET
SANTA ROSA, Calif., March 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Joanne Pransky, recognized for 30 years as the "World's First Robotic Psychiatrist," just launched a new Website and YouTube Channel at www.robot.md.
The day after actor Carrie Fisher captivated Oscar viewers in an IBM Watson commercial where she holds group therapy for robots, "Dr. Joanne" brought her new website to life. "Carrie Fisher deserves an honorary diploma of robotic psychiatry!" Dr. Joanne exclaimed.
"The force is definitely with her," said Dr. Joanne, as she viewed the advertisement where the celebrated Star Wars actor calmly restores order when a host of robots react to IBM's favored bionic son, Watson. "As the second person in the universe to conduct therapy for robots, Carrie Fisher fully deserves to receive an Honorary Diploma of Robotic Psychiatry! I would be so honored to present her with that award."
Dr. Joanne pointed out that although viewers might see the commercial as mere Star Wars fantasy, it truly brings to life the challenges faced in worksites and homes where robotic technology is on the rise.
"This commercial helps pave the way for smart robots – like smart phones - to be part of daily life," she said. "Now I can step in and answer the questions raised and solve the problems that emerge in the human-robot or robot-robot interaction."
"What I do is more than 'therapy' with robots," she said. "Because today "robotic psychiatry" is all about preparing humans for a way of life that includes robots as their companions and coworkers.
Transformed by robots
Joanne Pransky studied human development at Tufts University and went on to work in the robotics industry where her career and life were transformed by robots. She coined the self-descriptor "World's First Robotic Psychiatrist" in 1986. In 1989, the legendary Isaac Asimov, the author and futurist known for the "Three Laws of Robotics," called her "the real-life Susan Calvin" after the robopsychologist in his novel iRobot. Dr. Joanne evolved into a robotics industry ambassador, facilitating the integration of robots into everyday life, bridging the gap between reality and science fiction. She recently launched the Robotic Psychiatrist's Channel on YouTube, introducing robots to the public in an entertaining and non-threatening way.
The Robotics Industry Association has recognized Dr. J's work: "Joanne is a terrific robotics industry ambassador," said Jeff Burnstein, President, Robotics Industry Association. "Her enthusiasm for robotics, combined with her forward-looking approach and extensive industry knowledge, makes her especially interesting as a commentator on key robotics issues."
Dr. Joanne serves as the U.S. Associate Editor for Emerald's Industrial Robot Journal, and is a co-founder of Wiley's International Journal of Medical Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery. She also served as a Senior Sales and Marketing Executive for Sankyo Robotics, an industrial robot manufacturer. She has lectured nationally and internationally on issues concerning the human-robot relationship and appeared extensively on television, radio and film.
For more information, please go to www.robot.md.
About Dr. Joanne
As a burgeoning voice in the robotics industry promulgating service and personal robots beginning in the late '80s, Joanne Pransky became known as The World's First Robotic Psychiatrist®. Through entertainment, education and humor, Dr. Joanne helps people understand their emotional, social and psychological responses to robotic technologies. She has consulted in sales, marketing and public relations for some of the industry's top robotic and entertainment organizations including: Robotic Industries Association, Motoman, Staubli, KUKA Robotics, ST Robotics, DreamWorks, Warner Brothers, as well as for Summit Entertainment's film "Ender's Game" in which she brought never-seen-before medical robots to the big screen. To have Dr. Joanne introduce your new robot technology to the world and facilitate a positive interaction, or to book Dr. Joanne as a speaker, please go to www.robot.md.
Media Contact:
Susan Kooperstein
Kooperstein Communications
650-ROBOT-MD
Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggPz98PvGEk
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160302/339783
SOURCE Dr. Joanne Pransky