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Our workshop envisions what we call “robotic home” and how smart home technology could be used as a tool for increasing mental health. “Robotic home” is an integrated system of smart home and robotic technologies that is proactive and interactive with the inhabitant. We focus on the possibility of such technology to be used for enhancing mental health. This could be achieved both through therapeutic functions and by assisting in the aspects of regular life that the inhabitant may have difficulties with because of their condition. Technology like this could make the very home effectively a behavioral therapist. Furthermore, we explore what kind of ethical risks are involved, and how to minimize the risks.

In this case study we take a Nordic perspective on the tension between increased digitalisation of public services and the insufficient support for citizens with limited digital literacy. Volunteer-based IT helpdesk services in public libraries have emerged as an attempt to address this tension. Drawing on examples of volunteering in public library-based IT helpdesk services in two Nordic countries, this paper considers the IT helpdesks as quasi-public services. Based on interviews, observations and workshops, we explore: the work of IT helpdesk volunteers, the characteristics of helpdesk services offered, and the implications of these services being offered by volunteers. The services offered are of acceptable quality to the users while the ambiguity and lack of institutional support is making the service fragile. In spite of the challenges of the quasi-public IT helpdesk service we also note how it offers a potential platform for the co-design and support of new public services. CCS CONCEPTS•Social and professional topics~Computing / technology policy~Government technology policy•Human-centered computing~Interaction design~Interaction design process and methods~Participatory design * The first two authors have shared first authorship of the paper.

Public libraries are more and more recognized to become partners in co-design and technology education, also aiming to bridge the digital divide. We see it as a great opportunity to expand the roles of public libraries even further, engaging citizens in co-design processes, improving existing public e-services and co-designing new services. That shift requires new roles taken by librarians, but also new processes, as well as new methods of development of e-services in the public sector. In PDC Place Nordic we explore this new role of libraries in participatory future making, engaging librarians, academics, practitioners and different local communities. Events will take place in Copenhagen, Malmö, and Helsinki/Espoo.