Objective We reviewed human–robot interaction (HRI) participatory design (PD) research with older adults. The goal was to identify methods used, determine their value for design of robots with older adults, and provide guidance for best practices. Background Assistive robots may promote aging-in-place and quality of life for older adults. However, the robots must be designed to meet older adults’ specific needs and preferences. PD and other user-centered methods may be used to engage older adults in the robot development process to accommodate their needs and preferences and to assure usability of emergent assistive robots. Method This targeted review of HRI PD studies with older adults draws on a detailed review of 26 articles. Our assessment focused on the HRI methods and their utility for use with older adults who have a range of needs and capabilities. Results Our review highlighted the importance of using mixed methods and including multiple stakeholders throughout the design process. These approaches can encourage mutual learning (to improve design by developers and to increase acceptance by users). We identified key phases used in HRI PD workshops (e.g., initial interview phase, series of focus groups phase, and presentation phase). These approaches can provide inspiration for future efforts. Conclusion HRI PD strategies can support designers in developing assistive robots that meet older adults’ needs, capabilities, and preferences to promote acceptance. More HRI research is needed to understand potential implications for aging-in-place. PD methods provide a promising approach.

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Persons with Vision Impairments (PwVI) often have difficulties navigating indoor environments. The challenges and solutions can change based on their level of familiarity with the location. A collaborative effort was made to design a user needs assessment to understand the collaborative nature of human-robot interaction for wayfinding. The user study was an interview study to discuss with PwVI their navigation experience in familiar, somewhat familiar, and unfamiliar locations. Following this, we discussed their current solution strategies for wayfinding in those locations to discuss how they could imagine a robot to support wayfinding. We report on four case studies to illustrate specific user needs, such as vocal direction and orientation to learn a new environment and navigate, and highlight common strategies, such as supplemental lighting, different types of human assistance, and technologies used (i.e. white canes).

Assistive and mobile robots have potential to support everyday domestic tasks and enable independence for persons in the home. As a first step to evaluating this potential, we assessed the initial unboxing and setup of Hello Robot’s Stretch RE1– a novel mobile manipulator designed for domestic settings. All study procedures took place in the McKechnie Family LIFE Home, which is a smart home research facility on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. We used subject matter experts (SMEs) and followed human factors principles to consider obstacles users with diverse needs and capabilities (e.g., older adults, persons with mobility disabilities) might encounter during the unboxing process. We then conducted 50 trials of user testing and critical task analyses in the LIFE home to assess the feasibility and usability for different use cases. Research team members controlled Stretch by using a game controller. We used Stretch to manipulate 15 different types of objects that would be part of domestic activities needed to live independently, such as tasks needed for meal preparation. We documented the frequency of errors, time spent manipulating the object, and informal qualitative feedback from teleoperators during and after each trial (using a think-aloud protocol). Implications for future domestic robot design using human factors approaches are discussed.

Older adults prefer to age in place, to live independently while maintaining social connection and engagement with the community. Though older adults can encounter barriers to these goals, social and assistive domestic robots hold promise for promoting independence and online/offline social engagement. However, social robots must be designed to meet their needs and preferences. Open questions remain regarding how to facilitate the development of trust and acceptance in robot support. We investigated the associations between robot social characteristics, sociability, trust, and acceptance for instrumental activities of daily living. We used an online survey to assess older adults’ perceptions towards social and assistive robots. Robots with more social abilities were rated as more acceptable and trustworthy across different task types. We discuss design implications that may promote the development of robot trust and acceptance by older adults, and ultimately help enable aging in place and social engagement.