Serious Illness Conversations (SICs)—discussions about values and care preferences for patients with life-threatening illness—rarely occur in Emergency Departments (EDs), despite evidence that early conversations improve care alignment and reduce unnecessary interventions. We interviewed 11 ED providers to identify challenges in SICs and opportunities for technology support, with a focus on AI. Our analysis revealed a four-stage SIC workflow (identification, preparation, conduction, documentation) and barriers at each stage, including fragmented patient information, limited time and space, lack of conversational guidance, and burdensome documentation. Providers expressed interest in AI systems for synthesizing information, supporting real-time conversations, and automating documentation, but emphasized concerns about preserving human connection and clinical autonomy. This tension highlights the need for technologies that enhance efficiency without undermining the interpersonal nature of SICs. We propose design guidelines for ambient and peripheral AI systems to support providers while preserving the essential humanity of these conversations.

This study examined an important debate in Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) research: the suitability of non-physically non-collocated robots instead of physically collocated robots for HRI research. This meta-analysis ($\mathrm{N}=34$studies) examined the equivalence of physically and non-physically collocated robots in HRI research, focusing on anthropomorphism, social presence, and user engagement. No significant differences were found, suggesting that non-physical representations are viable alternatives. However, observed heterogeneity indicates potential moderating factors (e.g., task complexity, user characteristics, design features) warranting further investigation. These findings inform choices in resource-constrained environments.

While generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is finding increased adoption in workplaces, current tools are primarily designed for individual use. Prior work established the potential for these tools to enhance personal creativity and productivity towards shared goals; however, we don't know yet how to best take into account the nuances of group work and team dynamics when deploying GenAI in work settings. In this paper, we investigate the potential of collaborative GenAI agents to augment teamwork in synchronous group settings through an exploratory study that engaged 25 professionals across 6 teams in speculative design workshops and individual follow-up interviews. Our workshops included a mixed reality provotype to simulate embodied collaborative GenAI agents capable of actively participating in group discussions. Our findings suggest that, if designed well, collaborative GenAI agents offer valuable opportunities to enhance team problem-solving by challenging groupthink, bridging communication gaps, and reducing social friction. However, teams' willingness to integrate GenAI agents depended on its perceived fit across a number of individual, team, and organizational factors. We outline the key design tensions around agent representation, social prominence, and engagement and highlight the opportunities spatial and immersive technologies could offer to modulate GenAI influence on team outcomes and strike a balance between augmentation and agency.