ABSTRACT

An aging global population and preference for aging-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

全球人口老龄化和对就地老龄化的偏好为家庭机器人提供了帮助老年人日常生活的机会。然而，对老年人在家中使用机器人的体验的研究有限。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长自给自足和社区居住的成年人在家中使用 Bomy 的日常护理机器人长达一周。该研究探讨了机器人的实用性以及参与者对使用它的看法和体验。Bomy 提醒他们日常活动并提供认知刺激游戏。进行了半结构化的面对面访谈，并对数据进行了主题分析。调查结果揭示了人们对机器人的接受以及辅助日常护理机器人的价值。参与者将 Bomy 视为同伴并提出改进建议，包括解决与长期使用相关的技术问题。未来的功能应该是个性化的，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。日常护理机器人在老年人护理方面显示出巨大的潜力，特别是在提供药物、健康和福祉的提醒方面。这项研究强调了在机器人开发环境中共同设计和测试机器人的重要性。Bomy 的广泛实施在未来可能是可行的，但需要进一步调整。以适应每个用户的健康需求，还可以包括烟雾探测和朗读功能。日常护理机器人在老年人护理方面显示出巨大的潜力，特别是在提供药物、健康和福祉的提醒方面。这项研究强调了在机器人开发环境中共同设计和测试机器人的重要性。Bomy 的广泛实施在未来可能是可行的，但需要进一步调整。以适应每个用户的健康需求，还可以包括烟雾探测和朗读功能。日常护理机器人在老年人护理方面显示出巨大的潜力，特别是在提供药物、健康和福祉的提醒方面。这项研究强调了在机器人开发环境中共同设计和测试机器人的重要性。Bomy 的广泛实施在未来可能是可行的，但需要进一步调整。