The introduction of robots into domains traditionally associated with human expertise—such as museums—raises pressing questions about how professional roles, identity, and meaning of work are affected when tasks are shared with intelligent systems. While robotics is often framed instrumentally as technologies that relieve humans of routine functions, their deployment in cultural institutions invites closer examination of how they reshape the experience of work itself. This study investigates how museum curators perceive changes in their role and sense of competence following the introduction of a robot designed to assist with visitor guidance in an Italian museum.


The study draws on a qualitative, phenomenologically informed approach and employs narrative inquiry to explore the lived experiences of curators. Through unstructured interviews with a small sample of professionals (n < 15), the research examines how curators make sense of a shifting work environment in which aspects of human-centred interpretation and audience engagement are mediated by a robotic system. In doing so, it interrogates not only the curators' narratives of continuity and disruption but also the emotional and embodied dimensions of their interaction with the robot.


This study is ongoing, therefore, we expect to uncover insights in how curators may experience both affirmation and erosion of professional identity. While some aspects of their role may be reinforced through new responsibilities or adaptations, others may give rise to feelings of meaninglessness—marked by frustration, reduced self-worth, or detachment—especially when curatorial judgement and creativity appear displaced.


The study focuses on meaninglessness as a distinct phenomenon, rather than as the absence of meaning. It contributes to debates on the human-technology relation by adopting a post-phenomenological lens, viewing technology as a mediator of experience. In doing so, it offers new insights into the emotional, cognitive, and embodied consequences of robotic integration in symbolic work domains.