| Sumario: | Purpose Caring for an increasing number of older people in their own homes will continue to gain in importance in Germany and Europe in the next years. Assistive technologies such as robotic systems might be able to support people with assistance needs and their caregivers. These are expected to mitigate the shortage of formal and informal caregivers. However, robots in the health and social care system belong to those technologies that potential users and professional caregivers are skeptical about (European Commission, 2017; Merda et al., 2017). Research shows that acceptance is affected by function and also by the appearance of the robot as this evokes emotions in users (Hwang et al., 2013; Otterbacher & Talias, 2017). Method With its university's own robot platform ROSWITHA (RObot System WITH Autonomy) a project team at Frankfurt UAS aims to contribute to acceptable solutions in the field of embodiment. Objective is to develop with participatory methods an accepted embodiment for ROSWITHA by utilizing augmented reality. The project has three evaluation phases: In phase 1, the results of a systematic literature review based on people's preferences for robot appearance and the technical requirements of the platform provided three design options. The 3D models of these options were evaluated by 14 older adults (8 female, 6 male, age 69-87 years) viewing them through augmented reality glasses. In a mixed-methods design, these potential users expressed their impressions, voted for their favorite model, indicated their change requests, and provided information about their potential use of the robot. Their outcomes were compared with those of a younger group. The results will be incorporated in the two new models which will be evaluated in phase 2. These results will in turn influence the final model, which will be created as a physical prototype, also using 3D printing. Results and Discussion Six of the respondents preferred a design with a rounded body and a head with an implied, playful face (Fig.2, model 2). Four persons chose a model with a human face on a monitor (model 3). Two people each chose model 1 or no model. A lower height of the robot, a rounder shape of the body, and a friendlier facial expression were among the aspects that the potential user group indicated as necessary changes. A majority also preferred the color orange instead of green or blue. Suggested purposes for the designed robot comprised household tasks, fetching and bringing items. Involving potential user groups in the design process is necessary, as it provides a deeper insight into users' needs. Evaluation in augmented reality promises to be a time- and material-saving method, which offers the possibility to get a realistic image of the model e.g. at home. More research is needed, especially with older target groups, in order to validate procedures and validity of results.
|
|---|