An emerging topic in robot design and scholarly research is socially assistive robots (SAR) for senior citizens. Compared to robots
in other sectors, SARs can augment their assistive-utilitarian functions by offering social, emotional, and cognitive support to
seniors. This study draws upon interviews with 45 senior citizens to understand this group’s expectations for human-robot
interactions (HRI) and their anticipated needs for robots. Our grounded theory analysis suggests that senior citizens expect
robots to meet three types of needs: physical, informational, and interactional. Furthermore, they seek assurances that they will
have complete control over interactions with robots. Findings show that seniors’ mental models about robots are shaped by their
recent experiences with advanced communications technologies and mediated representations of robots in popular culture. Findings
are discussed in light of practical design considerations and two theoretical perspectives.
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Erden, Mustafa Suphi
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Golant, Stephen M.
2017. A theoretical model to explain the smart technology adoption behaviors of elder consumers (Elderadopt). Journal of Aging Studies 42 ► pp. 56 ff.
Hatch, Paul, Md Anisur Rahman & Joseph E. Michaelis
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Horstmann, Aike C., Clara Strathmann, Lea Lambrich & Nicole C. Krämer
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Karimova, Gulnara Z.
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Tenhundfeld, Nathan L., Hannah M. Barr, Emily H. O'Hear & Kristin Weger
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Zafrani, Oded & Galit Nimrod
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