Abstract

Due to demographic change and transformations in domestic structures as well as working environments, the need for formal care continues to increase. This process leads to a significantly greater number of care workers that will be needed in the future. Concurrently, the demands on caregivers concerning the amount of care and quality of care are increasing. Socially-assistive robots (SARs) are a promising resource in this regard. At the same time, research that directly addresses the target group of elderly persons with cognitive impairments is underrepresented. This study reports observations regarding the interaction between a SAR and elderly people with cognitive impairments. Seven observational and behavioural measures were conducted during the interaction between residents of a nursing home and the SAR named “James”. Twelve participants from two residential homes took part in the study. Data were analysed by using content analysis and interpreted along a technology acceptance model. Verbal comments and observable emotions of the SAR were predominantly positive, only a few participants reacted negatively to the SAR “James”. There was also hardly any shyness to touch the robot. The participants made eye contact and responded adequately to the robot’s requests. Tasks which were set by the SAR in group settings led to a higher communication between the participants than tasks in single-user settings. The mainly upbeat emotions and interaction with the SAR indicates a positive attitude towards the system. Long-term studies are needed to investigate the sustainability of robot acceptance.

中文翻译：

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观察社交辅助机器人与疗养院居民之间的互动

摘要

由于人口变化以及家庭结构和工作环境的转变，对正规护理的需求不断增加。这一过程导致未来需要的护理人员数量显着增加。与此同时，对护理人员的护理量和护理质量的要求也越来越高。在这方面，社交辅助机器人（SAR）是一个很有前途的资源。与此同时，直接针对有认知障碍的老年人目标群体的研究代表性不足。本研究报告了有关 SAR 和患有认知障碍的老年人之间相互作用的观察结果。在疗养院的居民和名为“詹姆斯”的特区之间的互动过程中，进行了七项观察和行为测量。来自两个住宅院的 12 名参与者参加了这项研究。通过内容分析对数据进行分析，并根据技术接受模型进行解释。对特区的口头评论和可观察到的情绪主要是正面的，只有少数参与者对特区“詹姆斯”做出负面反应。触摸机器人也几乎没有任何害羞。参与者进行眼神交流并对机器人的请求做出充分的回应。与单用户环境中的任务相比，SAR 在小组环境中设置的任务可以促进参与者之间更好的沟通。情绪以乐观为主，并与特区互动，表明对制度的积极态度。需要进行长期研究来调查机器人接受度的可持续性。