Open AccessDignity, Autonomy, and Style of Company
Author(s) -
Simon Coghlan,
Jenny Waycott,
Amanda Lazar,
Bárbara Barbosa Neves
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
proceedings of the acm on human-computer interaction
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.379
H-Index - 27
ISSN - 2573-0142
DOI - 10.1145/3449178
Subject(s) - dignity , autonomy , robot , style (visual arts) , psychology , social psychology , gerontology , computer science , artificial intelligence , medicine , political science , visual arts , art , law
Research into companion robots for older adults, including those who are socially isolated and lonely, continues to grow. Although some insight into older adults' preferences for various robotic types and functionality is emerging, we lack research examining how these robots fulfil or challenge a range of values and aspirations individuals have in later life. This study examines the attitudes and perspectives of 16 older adults (aged 65+) living independently but alone in their own homes, who were interviewed and shown videos depicting three distinctive companion robots: a talking assistant; a roving toylike vehicle; and a robotic dog. This approach illuminated values, preferences, and needs amongst older people that are vital for understanding the potential of companion robots. In comparing the robots, participants expressed concerns about the impact of different companion robots on their abilities and skills, their sense of autonomy and control over their lives, and the maintenance of several kinds of dignity. These results inform user-centered design and use of companion robots for older people living alone and independently.