Can Avatar Robots Assist Older People and Care Professionals? Evaluation of an Intervention Study in Eight Nursing Homes in Tokyo

Abstract

Abstract Background Securing human resources to meet increasing demand for older people's care is challenging, particularly in Japan, where the pace of ageing is accelerating. Central and local government have been seeking partial solutions in assistive technologies such as robotics. Against such a background, the study was conducted in 8 nursing care homes in Tokyo, where avatar robots were tested to examine whether and how these robot interventions can affect the daily life of older people and care professionals. Methods Four different types of avatar robot (ORIHIME, NEWME, Piyokame and BOCCO) were introduced to and used in eight nursing care facilities, in order to create conversational opportunities over 12 weeks. Before–after studies were conducted, and a variety of data was collected (interpersonal communication, self-care and depressive tendencies using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and InterRAI assessments). System usability scores (SUS) were collected from care professionals, who also performed a time-on-task analysis. Results Study participants who consented to taking part were 136 older adults (88.4±6.6 years old, 18 men and 118 women) and 63 care professionals. Participants with a high degree of dependency accounted for 31 percent. In total, 136 avatar robots were used. There was an overall, yet marginal, improvement for older people. While the SUS scores were poor, the majority (90 percent) responded that such devices would prove useful in the future. The time-on-task analysis indicates that more time can be secured for ‘person-to-person’ care. Conclusion Positive impacts of avatar robots (to increase the level of social interaction and communication) were observed. However, the results are inconclusive, and more needs to be done with regard to technology skills, competence enhancement and data collection methods for this type of research. The study was funded in part by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.