Expanding mobile robot applications in care environments: client perspectives for added guidance

Abstract

Mobile robots have demonstrated their suitability for logistical tasks in social and healthcare settings, allowing professionals to focus more on patient care. Advancements in technology now enable them to take on additional functions. Some research has already been done on the interaction between mobile robots and professionals, but the interaction of mobile robots with customers, as well as customer experience, clearly needs further research. In this study, we focus on good practices, user experiences, and interactions of senior housing residents and health service clients with mobile robots. Mobile robots were piloted in two new use cases, elderly housing orientation and healthcare services wayfinding and escorting, with participants showing strong interest and the functionalities proving suitable. The study underscores the value of user involvement in development. Simultaneously, challenges such as touchscreen communication and the robot's adaptation to the user's movement speed were identified and must be addressed in the next phases of the study.