What are the preferred characteristics of a service robot for the elderly? A multi-country focus group study with older adults and caregivers

ABSTRACT

This multi-perspective study focuses on how a service robot for the elderly should behave when interacting with potential users. An existing service robot and a scenario were used as a concrete case, which was discussed and analyzed during focus group sessions with older adults (n = 38), informal caregivers (n = 24), and professional caregivers (n = 35) in the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom. A total of seven topics—privacy, task execution, environment, appearance, behavior, visitors, and communication—were explored. The results showed that some of the characteristics mentioned were unique to a user group, but several were cross-cutting. Overall, potential users expected the service robot to be customizable in order to match the users’ needs and preferences. Also, high expectations concerning its functioning and behavior were expressed, which sometimes could even be compared to the qualities of a human being. This emphasizes the complexity of service robot development for older adults, and highlights the need for a personalized and flexible solution. One size does not fit all, and specific attention should be paid to the development of the robot’s social behavior and skills beyond a mere functional support for the person.

KEYWORDS:

• activities of daily living
• older adults
• robotics

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank our colleague Gert Jan Gelderblom† for his highly appreciated contribution to this work. The authors are also grateful to colleagues in the ACCOMPANY (2015) consortium (The University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom; Hogeschool Zuyd, the Netherlands; Fraunhofer, Germany; University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands; University of Sienna, Italy; Maintien en Autonomie à Domicile des Personnes Agées, France; University of Birmingham, United Kingdom; University of Twente, the Netherlands; and University of Warwick, United Kingdom). We are also grateful to the focus group participants that agreed to take part in our study (written consent was obtained from all participants). Possible inaccuracies of information are under the responsibility of the project team. The text reflects solely the views of its authors. The European Commission is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

Funding

The work described in this project was partially funded by the European project ACCOMPANY (Acceptable robotiCs COMPanions for AgeiNg Years) and its Seventh Framework Programme. Grant Agreement No: 287624.

Additional information

Funding

The work described in this project was partially funded by the European project ACCOMPANY (; Acceptable robotiCs COMPanions for AgeiNg Years) and its Seventh Framework Programme. Grant Agreement No: 287624.