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"Commanding Your Robot" Older Adults' Preferences for Methods of Robot Control
Jenay M Beer1, Akanksha Prakash1, Cory-Ann Smarr1
1School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA.
Summary
Older adults are open to various robot control methods, not just voice commands. Understanding their preferences is key for developing user-friendly home robots to support independence.
Area of Science:
- Human-Robot Interaction
- Gerontology
- Assistive Technology
Background:
- Home robots can enhance independence for older adults.
- Novice users, like older adults, require intuitive robot control methods.
- Robot control methods significantly impact usability and adoption by older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore older adults' preferences for controlling home robots.
- To identify perceived advantages and disadvantages of different robot control methods.
- To assess older adults' willingness to use various robot control interfaces.
Main Methods:
- Interviews with 12 older adults (ages 68-79) observing a personal robot.
- Exploration of specific control methods: laser pointer, physical manipulation, and devices.
- Questionnaire assessing willingness to use 10 different robot control methods.
Main Results:
- Older adults identified benefits and drawbacks of control methods, including command specificity, robot performance, physical limitations, and device usability.
- Participants showed willingness to use diverse robot control methods beyond initial voice command ideas.
- Preferences varied, but openness to multiple control options was evident.
Conclusions:
- Older adults are receptive to a range of robot control methods when presented with options.
- User-centered design considering physical capabilities and usability challenges is crucial for robot adoption by older adults.
- Future research should focus on developing and testing diverse, accessible robot control interfaces for the aging population.
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