Informal caregivers’ perception of assistive robots in eldercare

Abstract

The acceptance of assistive robots in eldercare is an emerging field of research, particularly due to the longevity of the ageing population. This study aimed to advance the modelling of the value-based adoption model to assess assistive robots’ acceptance in eldercare. A group of 387 informal caregivers was surveyed. Perceived ease of use, financial risk, perceived usefulness and well-being were found to be the drivers of perceived value in the proposed model, whereas performance risk had no significant effect. Trust, well-being and perceived value were significant drivers of assistive robots’ acceptance by informal caregivers. The findings hold potential implications for policy and practice, suggesting specific measures that assistive robot firms and relevant parties could adopt. The findings offer feasible recommendations for assistive robot firms and other relevant parties to enhance trust, promote well-being and maximise perceived value in the design and implementation of assistive robot technologies. These practical measures can contribute to more successful adoption of assistive robots, benefiting informal caregivers, eldercare service providers and policymakers alike.