Social Telepresence Robots: A Narrative Review of Experiments Involving Older Adults before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Social isolation is a common phenomenon among the elderly. Retirement, widowhood, and increased prevalence of chronic diseases in this age group lead to a decline in social relationships, which in turn has adverse consequences on health and well-being. The coronavirus COVID-19 crisis worsened this situation, raising interest for mobile telepresence robots (MTR) that would help create, maintain, and strengthen social relationships. MTR are tools equipped with a camera, monitor, microphone, and speaker, with a body on wheels that allows for remote-controlled and sometimes autonomous movement aiming to provide easy access to assistance and networking services. We conducted a narrative review of literature describing experimental studies of MTR involving elderly people over the last 20 years, including during the COVID-19 period. The aim of this review was to examine whether MTR use was beneficial for reducing loneliness and social isolation among older adults at home and in health and care institutions and to examine the current benefits and barriers to their use and implementation. We screened 1754 references and included 24 research papers focusing on the usability, acceptability, and effectiveness of MTR. News reports on MTR use during the COVID-19 period were also examined. A qualitative, multidimensional analysis methodology inspired by a health technology assessment model was used to identify facilitating and limiting factors and investigate if and how MTR could reduce social isolation in elderly people. Reviewed studies provide encouraging evidence that MTR have potential in this regard, as experiments report positive feedback on MTR design and core functionalities. However, our analysis also points to specific technical, ergonomic, and ethical challenges that remain to be solved, highlighting the need for further multidimensional research on the design and impact of MTR interventions for older adults and building on new insights gained during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Protocol for a Mediated Long-Term Experiment with a Social Robot

“…A number of researchers have argued that physically embodied social robots should be able to assist with a number of tasks to help keep people physically and mentally healthy, ranging from temperature taking and food and supply delivery to providing companionship for individuals suffering from loneliness (32; 34; 67; 76), and even mediating social interactions with other individuals (40). Nevertheless, as discussions concerning the potential applications for social robots became more prominent during the pandemic, HRI research was limited due to social distancing and the inability to use lab facilities for research that is highly dependent on laboratory constrained environments.…”

Socially Assistive Robots Helping Older Adults through the Pandemic and Life after COVID-19

“…Overall, users' perceived sense of the usefulness of SARs and the acceptance of their use have increased due to the pandemic [4]. An online questionnaire developed by the University of Waterloo in Canada measured aspects of people's experience of COVID-19, such as feelings of loneliness and stress, and their attitudes and acceptance of SARs as companions [83].…”

“…With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, opportunities for social relationships, especially for older adults, have decreased. Social isolation and loneliness have spiked worldwide [4,5], threatening well-being and representing a major determinant of health, including the increased risk of premature death [6]. The prevalence of loneliness among older adults living in long-term care is at least double that of those living in communities; during the pandemic, residents were isolated from visitors to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, and group activities and communal dining were halted, which in turn increased isolation and loneliness among residents [7].…”

Facilitators and barriers to using telepresence robots in aged care settings: a scoping review protocol

“…The robot is suitable and has been used in a diverse range of settings such as office work environments, schools, research and healthcare. 10 Telepresence robots can also be used to assist people with physical or cognitive disabilities and may include additional features depending on usage, such as services to help with daily activities (eg, reminding individuals of appointments or tasks, providing cognitive stimulation or a call feature in the case of a fall). 10 Telepresence robots have been used in LTC or hospital environments where remote users (eg, family/therapist) can connect with the patient/resident in the care environment.…”

“…10 Telepresence robots can also be used to assist people with physical or cognitive disabilities and may include additional features depending on usage, such as services to help with daily activities (eg, reminding individuals of appointments or tasks, providing cognitive stimulation or a call feature in the case of a fall). 10 Telepresence robots have been used in LTC or hospital environments where remote users (eg, family/therapist) can connect with the patient/resident in the care environment. The remote connection enables the robot to move around the care environment and interact face to face with others.…”