Understanding the Preference of the Elderly for Companion Robot Design

Socially Assistive Robots for Older Adults and People with Autism: An Overview

“…Some research attempts have consisted of companion robots that help users with assisted therapy and activity (see [27] for an overview). However, work is needed to promote for their acceptance among older people, as pointed out in [28], especially in terms of social interactions.…”

Age-Related Differences in Fixation Pattern on a Companion Robot

“…The robot was one of the companion robot designs that was developed to investigate the design preferences of the elderly [ 15 ]. The bear was designed based on literature regarding companion robot design preference of the older adults [ 1 , 15 , 16 , 48 ]. Oh et al reported that older adults prefer bear as the most among zoomorphic companion robots [ 16 ].…”

“…Oh et al reported that older adults prefer bear as the most among zoomorphic companion robots [ 16 ]. Another study also reported that the bear’s toy-like appearance and rounded shape made it seem familiar [ 15 ]. Referring to [ 48 ], the bear was also the most preferred design of the people in their fifties.…”

“…Through interviews, some researchers observed that robot design was perceived differently depending on the age of the participants. Oh et al interviewed older and younger adults about five types of companion-robot design [ 15 ]. They found a significant age-related difference in robot design preference; older adults preferred animal-like design, while younger adults liked neat and tidy ones.…”

“…Previous studies reported that people have different preferences for a robot design depending on their age [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Since most of the studies conducted surveys or interviews to investigate preferences, further objective research is required on which elements of the robot’s appearance are valued by older adults.…”