## 1 Introduction  
Among the most extraordinary and disruptive technological innovations of recent years, social robotics stands out for its potential societal impact. Social robots represent a field of research of primary importance from both a technological and clinical perspective [1]. The integration of social robotics in the fields of assistance and rehabilitation is developing in various directions, including the following [1]:  
* Investing in the development of social robots for rehabilitation and assistance support, such as devices designed to assist elderly individuals, promoting motor, cognitive, and emotional recovery [2]. * Creating social robots as cultural mediators and assistants in communication and therapy, with a particular focus on autism spectrum disorders and other conditions that require support in socialization [3, 4]. * Addressing the theme of empathy in social robots and seeking solutions to make interactions with these devices more natural (for example, using pet-like robots) and effective from a human perspective [5]. Building on the experiences of collaborative robotics, social robots are opening new perspectives in the field of rehabilitation, assistance, and caregiving for the most vulnerable individuals, with challenges ranging from neuromotor disabilities to communication and psychological issues. The COVID-19 pandemic emergency acted as a catalyst for the sector, accelerating research and experimentation of social robots as tools to ensure continuity of care and communication support while respecting social distancing [6]. Consequently, the current debate revolves around two opposing views: on one hand, the futuristic perspective of a potential replacement of human care, and on the other, a more realistic and ethically acceptable approach, seeing social robots as mediators and facilitators of human interactions in rehabilitative, caregiving, and assistance contexts. The evolution of social robotics has paved the way for the integration of broader functionalities, transitioning from devices primarily aimed at rehabilitation and emotional assistance to technologies that also address patients' practical needs. Initially, social robots focused on social interaction and improving psychological well-being. However, recent advancements in research have led to the development of robots capable of providing physical support and assisting with daily tasks. This expansion allows them to offer both emotional and practical benefits in healthcare settings, significantly improving the overall quality of care. Social robots, primarily designed for engaging in social interactions [7; 8], have evolved to perform a broader range of tasks, including assistance with physical support and daily activities [9]. This dual capability allows them to offer both emotional and practical benefits in healthcare settings. In addition to providing companionship and fostering social engagement, these robots contribute to the physical well-being of individuals by assisting with mobility, helping with medication reminders, and supporting other essential care duties. These robots serve a dual purpose: addressing the emotional well-being of individuals through companionship and social interaction, while also fulfilling key practical roles in caregiving. Their ability to integrate both social and assistive functions makes them particularly valuable in healthcare environments, where both emotional support and physical care are crucial for improving the quality of life and overall well-being of patients. By combining emotional support with practical assistance, social robots represent a promising solution to address the multifaceted needs of patients, particularly in settings where staffing limitations or resource constraints may pose challenges. We can refer to these robots as social and assistive support robots (SASRs). This term highlights robots designed not only to provide social engagement and emotional support but also to assist with physical tasks and daily care activities.