The Attitude of Elderly and Young Adults Towards a Humanoid Robot as a Facilitator for Social Interaction

Abstract

The main objective of this research was to gain insight in the attitude that groups of elderly and young students have towards social robots. A total of 52 participants (24 elderly vs. 28 students) took part in a short-term interaction with a humanoid social robot. In small groups of two to four people, they engaged in a conversation with a Nao robot. Their attitude was measured before and after the interaction using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) questionnaire. Furthermore, the role of the robot as a facilitator for conversation was assessed by observing the interaction between individuals after the robot was removed. This research explored the use of social robots as a means to improve socialization between individuals rather than aiming to replace the human contact. Results from the questionnaire and an additional observational analysis showed a positive attitude towards the robot and the interaction from both age groups. After the interaction, elderly perceived the robot as significantly more useful than students, which could be assigned to a difference in needs and expectations they had from it. Furthermore, anxiety towards the robot for both groups decreased after the interaction. Future research can investigate the effect of long-term interaction with a similar robot. In the long-term, social robots could possibly be deployed to decrease loneliness, a common issue among elderly.