Advancements in medical science have led to prolonged human life spans. It is predicted that by 2030, one out of every six people worldwide will be over 60. This surge in the elderly population will increase the need for care, which might not be sufficiently met by family members or professional caregivers, especially given the notable shortage of nursing staff in many developed nations. This situation highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to support the growing demands of elder care.
Robotic technologies offer a promising solution to bridge the care gap, enabling older adults to live independently in their homes for longer. However, adopting assistive home-care robots faces hurdles, including social acceptance in ageing societies and technical challenges in developing robots tailored to diverse needs that vary across cultural, ethical, and financial contexts.
In their latest research, scholars from Chiba University in Japan have explored factors influencing the acceptance and use of home-care robots. The study, published in Scientific Reports on 12 November 2024, was led by Professor Sayuri Suwa and included contributions from an international team comprising Dr Hiroo Ide from the Institute for Future Initiatives at the University of Tokyo, Dr Yumi Akuta from the Division of Nursing at Tokyo Healthcare University, Dr Naonori Kodate from UCD School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice, Dr Jaakko Hallila from Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, and Dr. Wenwei Yu from the Center for Frontier Medical Engineering at Chiba University.
The research involved a detailed survey among care recipients and caregivers in Japan, Ireland, and Finland. The survey assessed aspects such as familiarity with robots, essential features of home-care robots, expected functionalities, and ethically acceptable applications. Analysis of responses from 525 Japanese, 163 Irish, and 170 Finnish participants helped identify both common and unique factors influencing their willingness to use home-care robots.
The findings indicated that enthusiasm for participating in robot research and development, interest in robot-related news, and a positive view of robots were universal factors across the three countries. Distinctively, the Japanese valued convenience, the Irish prioritised emergency notifications to family and support personnel, and the Finns emphasised design—a reflection of Finland’s globally recognised design ethos.
This study also underscores how historical, cultural, and demographic factors shape the development and implementation of robotic solutions in different countries. For instance, Japan is advancing its robot development through collaborative efforts from the government, industry, and academia. In contrast, Ireland is gradually acknowledging the role of robots in elderly care, integrating artificial intelligence and robotics into health and social services.
Professor Suwa’s insights from the study stress the importance of including potential users—older adults and caregivers—in the robot design process. Such collaborative development can enhance product acceptance and usability, leading to broader adoption of home-care robots and improved quality of life for older adults.
In conclusion, home-care robots can make the concept of ‘ageing in place’ a widespread reality by focusing on innovation, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity. This approach addresses the immediate needs of the ageing population and paves the way for future technological integrations in personal and healthcare environments.
More information: Hiroo Ide et al, A comparative study to elucidate factors explaining willingness to use home-care robots in Japan, Ireland, and Finland, Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-79414-y
Journal information: Scientific Reports Provided by Chiba University
