Knowledge Engineering Framework for IoT Robotics Applied to Smart Healthcare and Emotional Well-Being.

Area of Science:

• Robotics and Human-Computer Interaction
• Gerontology and Assistive Technology
• Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Background:

• Growing need for social companion robots to support elderly independence and combat social isolation.
• Challenge in designing usable applications tailored for elderly users.
• Importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and co-creation in developing effective assistive technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT) and co-creation methodologies can facilitate the design of emotional-based robotic applications.
• To explore the potential of advanced social robots in supporting active and healthy ageing.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of real-time emotion understanding and conveyance in social robots.

Main Methods:

• Utilized co-creation methodologies involving diverse stakeholders, including elderly individuals, medical professionals, and computer scientists.
• Leveraged the Agile Co-Creation of Robots for Ageing (ACCRA) project framework.
• Integrated Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies for real-time emotion processing.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated three social robots (Buddy, ASTRO, RoboHon) for daily life, mobility, and conversation.
• These robots effectively understand and convey emotions in real-time.
• Co-creation and IoRT proved instrumental in designing emotionally responsive robotic applications for the elderly.

Conclusions:

• Co-creation methodologies combined with IoRT technology are effective in designing emotionally intelligent social robots for ageing populations.
• Advanced social robots can significantly contribute to enhancing the quality of life for the elderly by promoting independence and reducing isolation.
• The ACCRA project highlights a viable approach for developing user-centered, emotionally aware robotic solutions for active and healthy ageing.