User Acceptance of a Home Robotic Assistant for Individuals With Physical Disabilities: Explorative Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Robotics
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Assistive Technology

Background:

• Healthcare is shifting towards P5 medicine (personalized, participatory, preventive, predictive, precision-focused).
• Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robots can enhance services for individuals with disabilities.
• A projected shortage of 10 million healthcare workers by 2030 necessitates innovative solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the acceptance of humanoid assistive robots among users with physical disabilities.
• To evaluate user perceptions of AI-powered robotic assistance versus operator-controlled robotic performance.
• To explore acceptance factors using established models of social robot acceptance.

Main Methods:

• Explorative qualitative design with user testing in a simulated home environment.
• Individual interviews to gather user perceptions.
• Directed content analysis based on the Almere model and domestic social robot acceptance model.

Main Results:

• Nine participants (aged 27-78) with physical disabilities interacted with the robot.
• Participants valued robots for practical services but not personal care, showing mixed privacy concerns.
• Preference for automation was noted, with acceptance of remote control for specific tasks.

Conclusions:

• Acceptance of assistive robots is influenced by functional expectations, technological readiness, and personal/societal norms.
• Robotic assistance can increase independence and reduce reliance on human caregivers.
• Future autonomous AI-powered robots hold potential for enhancing assistive technology viability for individuals with disabilities.