Artificial intelligence-powered social robots for promoting physical activity in older adults: A systematic review

The aging global population necessitates innovative strategies to enhance older adults' health and quality of life. Physical activity (PA) is crucial for healthy aging, yet many older adults struggle to exercise regularly. Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered social robots offer an interactive, engaging, and personalized solution to promote PA among this demographic. This systematic review investigated the role of AI-powered social robots in encouraging PA in older adults.

We conducted a systematic literature search in databases including PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, focusing on studies published until February 2024. We included peer-reviewed articles reporting empirical findings on designing, implementing, and evaluating AI-enabled social robots to promote PA among older adults. Studies were conducted in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, community centers, and home environments.

A total of 19 studies were included in the review. Analysis reveals that AI-powered social robots effectively motivate older adults to engage in PAs, leading to increased exercise adherence, higher engagement levels, and extended training durations. Social robots have demonstrated effectiveness across various environments, including nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, community centers, home environments, and elder care facilities. In structured environments like nursing homes and rehabilitation centers, robots help maintain regular exercise routines, improving adherence and recovery outcomes. In community and elder care centers, robots promote PA and social engagement by facilitating group exercises and enhancing participation. In home environments, robots provide personalized support for daily activities, offering reminders and engagement, which fosters long-term activity engagement. User acceptance and satisfaction are high, with participants finding the robots engaging and enjoyable. Additionally, several studies indicate potential health benefits, such as improved medication adherence, better sleep patterns, and enhanced overall well-being. Nevertheless, additional research is imperative to address unresolved issues concerning the technological maintenance costs, design constraints, and adaptability of AI-powered social robots to specific user demographics.

AI-powered social robots play a promising role in promoting PA among older adults, enhancing their health, well-being, and independence. This review provides insights for researchers, designers, and healthcare professionals developing AI-enabled social robotic systems for older adults.