Empowering older adults with home-care robots

Simple and effective technology such as robots can bridge this gap and help provide older adults with the care they need to age in the comfort of their own homes. However, despite their great potential, social acceptance of assistive home care robots in an aging society remains a problem. Furthermore, the challenge of developing robots that can meet the specific needs of older people in different countries requiring long-term care, given cultural, ethical and economic differences, hinders their widespread use.

In a new study, researchers at Chiba University in Japan sought to shed light on the factors that influence users’ willingness to use home care robots. Previous research has shown that public participation in research has a positive impact on study design and patient participation. On this basis, the researchers studied a user-centered approach to involve potential users in the development process of home care robots. This approach takes into account the real-life expectations and problems faced by users.

Professor Sayuri Suwa, the corresponding author of the article, further elaborated on their research results in a paper published in “Scientific Reports” on November 12, 2024. He said: “In countries with an aging population, the use of home care robots will enable Many people have benefited from “aging in place”. Each country has its own unique history, culture, and legal system, so we wanted to shed light on how home care robots can be developed and implemented in a way that respects these differences. The study was actively co-authored by Dr. Hiroo Ide, Institute for Future Initiatives, University of Tokyo; Dr. Yumi Akuta, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Tokyo Medical University; Dr. Naonori Kodate, School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, University College Dublin; Seinai Jaakko Hallila, Ph.D., York University of Applied Sciences; and Wenwei Yu, Ph.D., Center for Frontier Medical Engineering, Chiba University.

The team conducted questionnaires among care recipients and carers in Japan, Ireland and Finland. The questionnaire assessed the user’s familiarity with robots, key points about home care robots, expected functions of home care robots, and ethically acceptable uses through 48 different items. Researchers analyzed the responses of 525 Japanese, 163 Irish and 170 Finnish people to understand the common and unique factors that influence their willingness to use robots.

The analysis shows that “willingness to participate in research and development”, “interest in robot-related news” and “positive impression of robots” are common factors among respondents in these three countries. On the other hand, “convenience” in Japan, “notifying family members and support personnel when unexpected changes occur to the elderly” in Ireland, and “design” in Finland are considered to be unique factors affecting the use of robots.

In addition, the research also highlights how historical, cultural and demographic variables across countries influence the implementation of home care robots. In Japan, the development of robots is encouraged by the government, industry and academia, and there is generally optimism about their applications. Although Ireland lags behind in the development of robots, its use for the elderly is increasingly recognized, and artificial intelligence and robotics are being applied in health and social care. Finnish respondents’ choice of “design” is consistent with globally renowned Finnish design, showing its importance in robot manufacturing.

Overall, this study highlights the importance of user involvement and perspectives in the development of home care technology. Home care robots have huge potential to empower older adults. “Working with potential users such as the elderly and caregivers to develop home care robots will increase product acceptance in the future. This will not only help validate the home care products being developed, but also help truly expand their use. Ultimately, this will provide users with bring greater well-being.