Key Performance Indicators for Service Robotics in Senior Community-Based Settings.

Area of Science:

• Robotics
• Gerontology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Service robotics are increasingly deployed in senior living environments.
• There is a need for standardized performance indicators to evaluate their effectiveness.
• Assessing impact on independent living and quality of life is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop key performance indicators (KPIs) for service robotics in senior community settings.
• To analyze the impact of these KPIs on older adults' independent living and quality of life.
• To establish a structured evaluation framework for senior care robotics.

Main Methods:

• A sequential exploratory Mixed Methods Research (MMR) design was used.
• Qualitative data was gathered through Focus Group Interviews (FGIs) with experts.
• Quantitative data was collected using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with 29 participants.

Main Results:

• Technical Performance (rank 1) and User-Centered Performance (rank 2) were identified as most critical KPIs.
• Social and Psychological Impact (rank 3) is vital for user acceptance and well-being.
• Ethical/Safety, Economic/Operational, and Service Efficiency are important but secondary to user experience.

Conclusions:

• Prioritizing technical capabilities and user-centered design is essential for effective service robotics in senior care.
• Integrating ethical standards and real-time monitoring systems enhances robotic solutions.
• The proposed framework supports the development of more impactful robotic applications for older adults.