Floor Cleaners as Helper Pets: Projecting Assistive Robots' Agency on Zoomorphic Affordances

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Human-Robot Interaction
• Assistive Technology

Background:

• Assistive robot technologies are increasingly used in elder care for practical tasks and social support.
• Maintaining hygiene in care homes is labor-intensive; robotic vacuum cleaners are effective but often poorly accepted by residents, especially those with dementia.
• People with dementia interpret their environment emotionally and implicitly, affecting their acceptance of technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the design of a zoomorphic robotic vacuum cleaner to improve acceptance and interaction with people with dementia.
• To assess residents' and caregivers' responses to a cat-like robotic vacuum cleaner prototype.

Main Methods:

• An observational study was conducted with a zoomorphic (cat-like) robotic vacuum cleaner prototype in a care home setting.
• Focus group sessions were held with formal and informal caregivers to discuss a video prototype.

Main Results:

• Residents responded positively, engaging playfully with the cat-like robot as if it were a pet or toy.
• Some residents ignored the robot, indicating it was not perceived as frightening or annoying, and did not cause significant disturbance.
• Caregivers suggested enhancing animal-like characteristics for richer interactions and haptic pleasure, while cautioning against mistaking it for a real cat.

Conclusions:

• A zoomorphic design can improve the acceptance and interaction of robotic vacuum cleaners among people with dementia in care homes.
• Further development should focus on enhancing animal-like features while ensuring clear distinction from real animals.