Feasibility Study of a Socially Assistive Humanoid Robot for Guiding Elderly Individuals during Walking

Abstract

The impact of the world-wide ageing population has commenced with respect to society in developed countries. Several researchers focused on exploring new methods to improve the quality of life of elderly individuals by allowing them to remain independent and healthy to the maximum possible extent. For example, new walking aids are designed to allow elderly individuals to remain mobile in a safe manner because the importance of walking is well-known. The aim of the present study involves designing a humanoid robot guide as a walking trainer for elderly individuals. It is hypothesized that the same service robot provides an assistive and social contribution with respect to interaction between elderly users by motivating them to walk more and simultaneously provides assistance, such as physical assistance and gait monitoring, while walking. This study includes a detailed statement of the research problem as well as a literature review of existing studies related to walking companion robots. A user-centred design approach is adopted to report the results of the current first feasibility study by using a commercially available humanoid robot known as Pepper developed by Softbank-Aldebaran. A quantitative questionnaire was used to investigate all elements that assess intrinsic motivation in users while performing a given activity. Conversely, basic gait data were acquired through a video analysis to test the capability of the robot to modify the gait of human users. The results in terms of the feedback received from elderly subjects and the literature review improve the design of the walking trainer for elderly individuals.Future Internet 2017, 9, 30 2 of 16 decelerate or even prevent cognitive decline, doctors recommend living a healthy life by following a healthy diet, performing physical exercise, and challenging the brain via social engagement or intellectual stimulations. Thus, it is important to perform any activity that keeps the brain active and improves blood circulation. Specifically, physical exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle that increases the sense of wellbeing of an individual. Walking itself is a completely accessible way of physical exercise because it suits all abilities, it is free, it does not require equipment, and it can be performed anywhere. Moreover, walking in an outside environment leads to interaction between an individual and others, and thus it can correspond to a social activity that can improve an individual's mood. There is no definitive evidence from randomised trials although studies continue to explore the potential of walking as a preventive treatment for dementia as well as a disease-modifying treatment [3,4]. A main question focuses on whether physical activity directly protects an individual from dementia by providing better oxygen supply or instead whether it offers indirect protection by reducing risks, such as hypertension, that impair cognition. In any case, walking must be considered as extremely important for elderly individuals due to its role in modifyin...

Gerontechnology — the assessment of one selected technology improving the quality of life of older adults

“…In the global literature, research on gerontology focuses on the following issues: (i) analyses of application areas of different gerontological technologies such as health and self-esteem, housing and daily life, mobility and transport, communication and management, work and leisure; the International Society for Gerontechnology); (ii) studies of the attitudes and experiences of older people towards the use of gerontological technologies and the identification of causes that may form the basis for their use or rejection (Chen & Chan, 2013): (iii) technology analysis for four categories of older people's needs: social, medical, activeness and safety (Fozard et al, 2000); (iv) the impact of gerontology on the physical, mental health and social functions of its users (Fozard, 2000;Khosravi et al, 2016;Prada et al, 2018;Fraile et al, 2014;Frisardi & Imbimbo, 2011;Usman et al, 2013;Koops et al, 2013;Piezzo & Suzuki, 2017).…”

“…Robots can be used by older adults to capture, transmit, recall information related to the use of medication, recognise and assess health, monitor and motivate walking, and meet social needs through interaction (Broadbent et al, 2009;Broekens et al, 2009;Ejdys & Gdvilaite, 2017;Flandorfer, 2012;Grant et al, 2004;Piezzo & Suzuki, 2017). Given the technological potential of robots and the rate of the ageing of the population in the near future, robots may start being used for helping people to care for older adults and offer some company for this group of the population (Ejdys & Halicka, 2018;Choi et al, 2014;Klamer & Allouch, 2010;Martinez-Martin & del Pobil, 2018;Pollack et al, 2002;Usman & Tomimoto, 2013).…”

Sustainable Adaptation of New Technology — The Case of Humanoids Used for the Care of Older Adults

“…One is associated with specific experiments in a specific group of people (children, older adults) concerning specific functionalities of robots, and second is related to the general social acceptance and factors determining the wider use of humanoids in everyday life by society in general and older people as a specific group in particular. It is widely known that widespread use of humanoids to care for the older people will largely depend on the social acceptance of the new solution [9].…”

“…A baby-type robot designed for being taken care of an older person requiring nursing care; it can cry and blush, and keep an older person less depressed with its unpredicted behaviour; designed to help ease depression among older adults by offering them companionship [24] Chukyo U./Japan HUMANOID ROBOT PaPeRo used for communication; recognises speech and speech synthesis, recognises faces; responds to touch; can understand several people talking to him at the same time, can also search the Internet to find answers to questions asked; is used to improve the well-being of older adults [27] NEC Waseda U./Japan Wakamaru can also "take care" of sick people; can remind you about unrealised tasks (e.g. taking medicines); can check and inform about the current weather forecast; keeps eye contact with the interlocutor, greets and says goodbye to the owner; keeps in contact with a person from the parish [22] Mitsubishi/ United States ASIMO will take over some of the home duties of older adults; recognises the moving people and their faces; it can also follow their movement; comes when called and can recognise dozens of phrases; can also recognise voices and respond to specific instructions; ensuring greater independence of an older adult [22] Honda/ Japan Pepper can recognise older people and is able to have a conversation with them; can react to emotions, moves and lives autonomously; can react to moods, using intuitive interfaces like voice, touch and emotions; is used to provide company to older people but also to motivate them to walk; provides assistance while walking [9] Aldebaran Robotics/ France Kaspar Robots using a humanoid robot to improve social skills of children with an autism spectrum disorder [33] UK Research on robots concerns both the anthropomorphic features of robots and the expression of realistic behaviour by robots as well. Lazzeri et al concentrated on research of facial expressions performed by robot Eva, because facial expressions, in particular, convey emotional information that allows people to get involved in social interactions [34].…”

“…Robots have been proposed as a form of assistive device that can help bridge the widening gap between the demand and supply of healthcare services [8]. The expected growth in the share of the older population has influenced researchers to design innovative solutions in the field of care for older people including robots [9].…”