Abstract

An ageing global population and preference for ageing-in-place pose the opportunity for home-based robots to assist older adults with their daily routines. However, there is limited research into the experiences of older adults using robots in their own homes. In this descriptive qualitative feasibility study, older self-supporting and community-dwelling adults with various age-related health needs used Bomy, a dailycare robot in their homes for up to one week. The study explored the usefulness of the robot and participants’ perceptions and experiences of using it. Bomy reminded them of daily activities and delivered cognitive stimulation games. Semi-structured in-person interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed an acceptance toward robots and the value of assistive dailycare robots. Participants perceived Bomy as a companion and made suggestions for improvement, including resolving technical issues associated with long-term use. Future functions should be personalizable, to accommodate each user’s health needs and could also include smoke detection and reading aloud functions. Dailycare robots show promising potential in elderly care, especially in providing reminders for medication, health and wellbeing. This study highlights the importance of co-design and testing robotics in the environments for which they have been developed. Widespread implementation of Bomy might be feasible in the future, with some further adjustments.

摘要

全球人口的老龄化和偏爱就地老龄化为家用机器人提供了帮助老年人进行日常工作的机会。但是，对于老年人在家中使用机器人的体验的研究很少。在这项描述性的定性可行性研究中，具有各种与年龄相关的健康需求的年龄较大，自给自足且居住在社区的成年人在家里使用日托机器人Bomy长达一周。该研究探索了机器人的有用性以及参与者对使用它的看法和经验。博美让他们想起了日常活动，并进行了认知刺激游戏。进行了半结构化的面对面采访，并对数据进行了主题分析。调查结果显示出人们对机器人的接受以及辅助性日托机器人的价值。参与者认为Bomy是同伴，并提出了改进建议，包括解决了与长期使用相关的技术问题。未来的功能应该是可个性化的，以适应每个用户的健康需求，并且还可能包括烟雾检测和朗读功能。Dailycare机器人在老年人护理方面显示出有希望的潜力，特别是在提醒用药，健康和福祉方面。这项研究强调了在已开发机器人的环境中进行协同设计和测试机器人的重要性。将来，通过一些进一步的调整，广泛实施Bomy可能是可行的。以适应每个用户的健康需求，还可以包括烟雾检测和朗读功能。Dailycare机器人在老年人护理方面显示出有希望的潜力，特别是在提醒用药，健康和福祉方面。这项研究强调了在已开发机器人的环境中进行协同设计和测试机器人的重要性。将来，通过一些进一步的调整，广泛实施Bomy可能是可行的。以适应每个用户的健康需求，还可以包括烟雾检测和朗读功能。Dailycare机器人在老年人护理方面显示出有希望的潜力，特别是在提醒用药，健康和福祉方面。这项研究强调了在已开发机器人的环境中进行协同设计和测试机器人的重要性。将来，通过一些进一步的调整，广泛实施Bomy可能是可行的。