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  4. Care-receivers with physical disabilities’ perceptions on having humanoid assistive robots as assistants: a qualitative study

Care-receivers with physical disabilities’ perceptions on having humanoid assistive robots as assistants: a qualitative study

BMC Health Services Research, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-024-10857-9 · Published: April 18, 2024

Assistive TechnologyHealthcare

Simple Explanation

The study explores how people with physical disabilities perceive the idea of using robots to help them at home. It looks at which tasks they'd be okay with a robot doing and why. Researchers conducted focus group interviews where participants watched videos of a humanoid robot, EVEr3, and discussed their thoughts and feelings about having such a robot assist them. The study found that participants were generally open to the idea of robotic assistance, especially for tasks that could increase their independence and autonomy.

Study Duration
Not specified
Participants
18 participants with physical disabilities
Evidence Level
Qualitative study

Key Findings

  • 1
    Participants identified numerous tasks for which they would accept robotic assistance, primarily related to practical and household chores, such as making the bed, dusting, cleaning, and laundry.
  • 2
    The desire for increased autonomy and independence was a central theme, with participants viewing robots as a way to perform tasks on their own terms and reduce reliance on human caregivers.
  • 3
    While generally positive about robotic assistance, participants expressed concerns about robots performing personal care tasks like showering or toileting, citing distrust in the robot's abilities and potential privacy issues.

Research Summary

This study explored the perceptions of physically disabled home service users regarding robotic assistance, focusing on task acceptance and overall attitudes towards humanoid robots in their homes. The findings indicated a willingness to accept robotic assistance for tasks that promote independence and autonomy, such as household chores and fetching objects, but reservations about personal care tasks. The study emphasizes the need for customization in robotic assistance to meet individual user needs, considering task preferences, assistance methods, and control mechanisms.

Practical Implications

Customized Robot Design

Robot design should be flexible and customizable to accommodate the specific needs and preferences of individual users with physical disabilities.

Task-Specific Applications

Robots can be effectively deployed for practical and household tasks, providing users with increased independence and reducing reliance on human caregivers.

Addressing Privacy Concerns

Developers and healthcare providers should prioritize addressing privacy concerns related to remotely controlled robots to ensure user comfort and acceptance.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Small sample size of 18 participants
  • 2
    Potential bias due to purposive sampling
  • 3
    Disproportionate representation of Spinal Cord Injury patients

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