In light of the rapidly ageing global population, researchers from Chiba University in Japan have conducted an extensive study on the factors influencing the willingness of caregivers and older adults to embrace home-care robots in three countries: Japan, Ireland, and Finland. The study emerges against the backdrop of an anticipated shortage of care providers, as estimates predict that by 2030, one in every six individuals worldwide will be over 60 years old.
The findings, published in Scientific Reports, underscore the critical need for user-centric development in the realm of robotic care technologies. As the study points out, while robotic innovations hold significant potential to alleviate care shortages and enhance the well-being of older individuals, social acceptance remains a significant barrier. The researchers assert that the integration of user feedback during the research and development phases can greatly improve acceptance rates and ensure that robots adequately meet the diverse needs of older adults.
Professor Sayuri Suwa, the corresponding author of the study, noted, “In countries where the population is aging, the use of home-care robots will enable many people to achieve ‘aging in place.’ Each country has its own unique history, culture, and legal system, so we wanted to clarify how home-care robots could be developed and implemented in a way that respects these differences.” This perspective highlights the cultural nuances that drive user preferences; for instance, Japanese users highlighted the importance of convenience, while Irish respondents focused on alerting family members and caregivers during emergencies. Finnish users, conversely, placed a premium on design aesthetics, reflecting a broader appreciation for well-designed products in Finnish culture.
The research involved a comprehensive questionnaire distributed to 525 Japanese participants, 163 Irish participants, and 170 Finnish participants. The survey covered four main areas: familiarity with robots, expectations of home-care robot functionalities, ethical applications, and overall attitudes towards robotic care. The analysis yielded common acceptance factors across the countries, notably a positive impression of robots, an interest in advancements related to robotics, and a willingness to engage in ongoing research and development endeavours.
Notably, Japan’s government, industry, and academic sectors are all proponents of robot development, fostering a landscape that is increasingly optimistic about the integration of robotics into the care sector. Reports suggest that while Ireland lags slightly behind Japan in robotic applications, there is a growing recognition of the role technology can play in supporting older adults. In Finland, the choice of design as a leading factor underscores the nation’s reputation for innovative and appealing product design.
The study emphasises the pivotal role that user engagement plays in the design of home-care robots, which could ultimately facilitate a broader acceptance of these technologies. Prof. Suwa concluded, “Developing home-care robots in collaboration with potential users, such as older people and care providers, will foster better product acceptance in the future. This is beneficial not only for validating the home-care products under development but also for truly expanding the use of home-care robots. Ultimately, this would lead to greater well-being for users.”
As the ageing population continues to grow and the demand for care escalates, the insights gained from this research could pave the way for a renaissance in home-care technology, firmly establishing the role of robotics in enhancing the quality of life for the elderly worldwide.
Source: Noah Wire Services