Reactions to a Remote-Controlled Video-Communication Robot in Seniors' Homes: A Pilot Study of Feasibility and Acceptance

Abstract

Objective: Remote telepresence provided by tele-operated robotics represents a new means for obtaining important health information, improving older adults' social and daily functioning and providing peace of mind to family members and caregivers who live remotely. In this study we tested the feasibility of use and acceptance of a remotely controlled robot with video-communication capability in independently living, cognitively intact older adults. Materials and Methods: A mobile remotely controlled robot with video-communication ability was placed in the homes of eight seniors. The attitudes and preferences of these volunteers and those of family or friends who communicated with them remotely via the device were assessed through survey instruments. Results: Overall experiences were consistently positive, with the exception of one user who subsequently progressed to a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. Responses from our participants indicated that in general they appreciated the potential of this technology to enhance their physical health and well-being, social connectedness, and ability to live independently at home. Remote users, who were friends or adult children of the participants, were more likely to test the mobility features and had several suggestions for additional useful applications. Conclusions: Results from the present study showed that a small sample of independently living, cognitively intact older adults and their remote collaterals responded positively to a remote controlled robot with video-communication capabilities. Research is needed to further explore the feasibility and acceptance of this type of technology with a variety of patients and their care contacts.

Robot-assisted home hazard assessment for fall prevention: a feasibility study

“…19 Seelye et al conducted an assessment that was limited to the installation and set up of computer software, communications experience and driving experience. 20 In our evaluation, we assessed the clinical function of the robot by investigating its ability to detect hazards.…”

“…19,20 Potential loss of privacy was not a concern for our participants. Taken together, these results suggest that older adults are open to using robot technology and remote monitoring to enhance their health care, even though it might affect their privacy.…”

Acceptability of Robots to Assist the Elderly by Future Designers: A Case of Guangdong Ocean University Industrial Design Students

“…Furthermore, the main limitation of this study lies in the sample size, and more samples will provide more reliable results. Obviously, the qualitative research of small samples has also obtained interesting findings in previous related studies [83,84]. In subsequent studies, we should expand the scale of participants as much as possible.…”

Living Labs for Pervasive Healthcare Research

“…In this study, the robot was well received not only by the older person but by his or her adult children. 3 The use case for home robots in elder assistance is still in development. This study showed that the barrier at this point is not simply acceptance or usability, but likely more related to other factors such as cost.…”