A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Robot Pets as "Serious Toys"- Activating Social and Emotional Experiences of Elderly People
Authors: Ihamäki Pirita, Heljakka Katriina
Publisher: SPRINGER
Publication year: 2024
Journal: Information Systems Frontiers
Journal name in source: INFORMATION SYSTEMS FRONTIERS
Journal acronym: INFORM SYST FRONT
Volume: 26
First page : 25
Last page: 39
Number of pages: 15
ISSN: 1387-3326
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10796-021-10175-z(external)
Web address : https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10796-021-10175-z(external)
Abstract
When robots are used as part of meaningful play, for example to enhance wellbeing, they can be considered "serious toys". Our study examines the potential of robotic pet toys viewed as companions, which activate social and emotional experiences of the elderly by increasing their wellbeing. In order to study the benefits of using Golden Pup, a commercial robot dog, we designed and performed a research intervention at a senior day activity center with 10 participants of ages 65-80+ years who were joined by a playful group of preschoolers. In this study, we were mainly interested in the firsthand user experiences.This study suggests how robotic pets can be used to activate the social and emotional experiences of elderly, and illustrated the role of building a relationship with a robotic pet. We present novel results on how a robot dog with a natural interface (NUI) may be used to evoke social and emotional experiences in older adults as part of playful, intergenerational group activities.
When robots are used as part of meaningful play, for example to enhance wellbeing, they can be considered "serious toys". Our study examines the potential of robotic pet toys viewed as companions, which activate social and emotional experiences of the elderly by increasing their wellbeing. In order to study the benefits of using Golden Pup, a commercial robot dog, we designed and performed a research intervention at a senior day activity center with 10 participants of ages 65-80+ years who were joined by a playful group of preschoolers. In this study, we were mainly interested in the firsthand user experiences.This study suggests how robotic pets can be used to activate the social and emotional experiences of elderly, and illustrated the role of building a relationship with a robotic pet. We present novel results on how a robot dog with a natural interface (NUI) may be used to evoke social and emotional experiences in older adults as part of playful, intergenerational group activities.
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