Boch, AuxaneMax, RaphaelKriebitz, AlexanderLütge, Christoph2024-12-262024-12-262025-01-07978-0-9981331-8-8e9f6fe65-87e6-416d-a4e2-fc0b051cbe7fhttps://hdl.handle.net/10125/109057This paper investigates the potential of social robots as play partners and their potential impact on human development. In this exploration, we aim to shed light on the potential role of social robots in teaching humans and emphasise their possible significance in promoting learning and development. Our introduction begins by emphasising the intrinsic value of play and provides a historical and evolutionary perspective to contextualise our research. We then delve into the concept of social play, highlighting its importance in human development. Throughout this paper, we explore the crucial role of interactional play in human development, offering examples at various stages of life. We emphasise the significance of social robots as play partners and examine the benefits they could bring to the learning and development process. In conclusion, we summarise the potential role of social robots as play partners and underscore the considerable impact they could have on human development.10Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 InternationalSocial Robots - Robotics and Toy Computingeducational play, human development, interactional play, social robotsConference Paper10.24251/HICSS.2025.217