Technology at the service of longevity: a paradoxical view of service robot acceptance in aged care
TL;DR
This study demonstrated the validity of sRAM in the context of aged care, clarifies the SSR’s functional and emotional value in the intention to use SSR in aged care, and provides a nuanced view of this acceptance by revealing underlying paradoxical tensions.
Abstract
Social service robots (SSRs) are expected to become increasingly common and may present a potential solution in healthcare services, particularly in the care of older adults. This study aims to assess the influence of functional, socioemotional and relational factors on older adults’ intention to use SSRs in their homes. This paper follows a sequential research design. In Study1, data were collected using questionnaires completed by older adults. We analyzed the data using PLS-SEM to identify factors influencing the intention to use SSRs. In Study 2, focus group discussions were conducted to discuss quantitative results and gather the opinions of older adults regarding SSRs. The findings reveal that SSR acceptance in aged care is not linear or straightforward but is rather shaped by underlying tensions. Although older adults recognize the functional and emotional value of SSRs, their acceptance is structured by paradoxical tensions related to orientation, authenticity and privacy. This paper provides valuable insights for service managers and developers to understand the factors that influence the intention to use SSRs among older adults. First, this study demonstrated the validity of sRAM in the context of aged care. Second, it clarifies the SSR’s functional and emotional value in the intention to use SSR in aged care. Finally, it also provides a nuanced view of this acceptance by revealing underlying paradoxical tensions.