The rapidly growing number of elderly individuals is projected to lead to a future shortage of caregivers. Although robotic technology presents a viable alternative, its adoption is often hindered by low acceptance among users. Recently, researchers conducted a study to explore user preferences and behaviors regarding care robots in Japan, Ireland, and Finland, aiming to enhance the development of home-care robots that are better accepted by users.
Advancements in healthcare have contributed to increased life expectancy. Projections indicate that by 2030, one in six people globally will be over the age of 60. This surge in the aging population signifies a greater need for care among seniors. Family members and professional caregivers may struggle to meet this escalating demand. Furthermore, many developed nations face a critical shortage of healthcare personnel, including nurses, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions to support older adults.
Simple yet effective technologies, like robots, could help close this gap, enabling seniors to receive care while remaining in their homes. However, despite their tremendous potential, the acceptance of assistive robots for home care among the elderly remains a challenge. The widespread integration of these robots is also complicated by the diverse cultural, ethical, and financial needs of aging individuals in different countries requiring long-term support.
In a recent study, researchers from Chiba University in Japan aimed to identify key factors that influence the willingness of users to adopt home-care robots. Previous research has indicated that involving the public in studies can lead to improved research designs and enhance patient engagement. Building on this premise, the researchers employed a user-focused methodology, allowing potential users to contribute to the research and development of home-care robots, addressing real-world expectations and challenges.
In a finding reported on November 12, 2024, in the journal Scientific Reports, Professor Sayuri Suwa, the lead author, explained, “In aging societies, deploying home-care robots will allow more individuals to ‘age in place.’ Each nation has its own historical, cultural, and legal contexts, so we aimed to clarify how home-care robots could be tailored and adopted to respect these variations.” The study included contributions from Dr. Hiroo Ide (The University of Tokyo), Dr. Yumi Akuta (Tokyo Healthcare University), Dr. Naonori Kodate (University College Dublin), Dr. Jaakko Hallila (Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences), and Dr. Wenwei Yu (Chiba University).
The research team distributed a survey to caregivers and care recipients in Japan, Ireland, and Finland. This survey assessed four key areas impacting users’ willingness to engage with home-care robots: familiarity with robots, important attributes of these robots, expected functionalities, and ethically sound applications, utilizing 48 distinct items. They analyzed responses from 525 Japanese, 163 Irish, and 170 Finnish participants to identify commonalities and unique factors that shape their willingness to use robots.
The findings indicated that shared factors influencing willingness to engage with robots included “participation in research and development,” “interest in robot-related news,” and “positive attitudes towards robots.” Nevertheless, distinct factors emerged for each country: “convenience” was key for Japan, “alerting family and support staff in unexpected situations” was crucial for Ireland, and “design” was a priority in Finland.
Furthermore, the study illustrated how historical, cultural, and demographic elements across the three nations affect the adoption of home-care robots. In Japan, the government, industries, and academia actively promote robot development, fostering a generally optimistic view regarding their application. Conversely, while Ireland is slightly lagging in this area, there is a growing recognition of the importance of robotic solutions for older adults, with increasing integration of AI and robotics in health and social care. Finnish participants emphasized ‘design,’ reflecting the global reputation of Finnish design principles, highlighting its significance in robotics production.
In summary, the study underscores the critical role of user involvement and perspectives in the evolution of home-care technology. Home-care robots hold substantial promise in empowering the elderly. “By collaborating with potential users like elderly individuals and caregivers in developing home-care robots, we can enhance acceptance of these products in the future. This collaboration can validate the ongoing development of home-care technologies and ultimately improve user welfare,” concludes Professor Suwa.
