Service Robots in Nursing Homes (SeRoNu): a holistic model of influencing factors

Abstract

This article in the journal Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. introduces a model that provides an overview and orientation for science and practice regarding robots in elderly care. Aging societies and the lack of professionals working in elderly care put strain on the care sector in many countries worldwide. Robots can be a possible support for caregivers and assistance for people in need of care. However, their (future) usage comes along with various challenges and currently there are only few examples of use in practice. The data of the developed holistic triple-layered shell model SeRoNu (Service Robots in Nursing Homes) is based on three conducted studies: (I) A work analysis (HTO-Approach; Strohm and Ulich 1997), (II) future workshops (Jungk and Müllert 1989) and (III) expert interviews. Social robot Pepper is used as an example of application, as the model offers a framework for different service robots. The article illustrates the influencing factors and the diversity of robotic solutions to the care crisis. As a result, a multi-professional approach is required as the different aspects need to be considered individually.