Robotour for Seniors – A Co-Learning Model to Enhance Robot Literacy among Older Adults in the Care Home Context

Abstract

This study presents “Robotour for Seniors” (RTS), a co-learning model designed to enhance robot literacy among older adults (75+) living in care homes. The RTS consists of a series of workshops involving group discussions, interactions with various social robots (Paro, Nao, Furhat, Pepper, and QT), and activities designed to improve understanding and familiarity with social robots. The study aims to assess RTS’s feasibility for enhancing robot literacy by focusing on social robots. The study also aims to explore the participants’ perceptions and experiences of the RTS. With 11 senior participants and two care workers in a Finnish care home, the qualitative data were collected through a questionnaire, recorded group discussions and interviews, and observation notes. Findings indicate a strong willingness among the participating older adults to learn about robots. The notable highlights include emotional interactions with Paro robot and keen interest in the local delivery robot. The study concludes that a collaborative, hands-on, and discussion-based learning model effectively enhances robot literacy, allowing older adults to critically reflect on the role and capabilities of robots in society. Future research will focus on expanding the RTS and validating the RTS with a larger number of participants.