Innovative Applications of Social Robots in Education and Mental Well-being: A Multimodal Perspective on the Bulgarian Context within the Social and Solidarity Economy

This paper explores the potential of social robots as supportive tools for promoting mental health and emotional well-being among students in educational environments, with a particular focus on Bulgarian higher education. Drawing from empirical research and theoretical models, the study outlines psychological and organizational hypotheses, real-world applications, and good practices. It highlights the role of social robots as non-judgmental mediators in both school and university settings, emphasizing their ability to reduce stress, foster social engagement, and enhance emotional communication. The paper concludes with ethical and pedagogical considerations and recommendations for the implementation of pilot programs in Bulgarian universities.