Acceptability of Social Robots and Adaptation of Hybrid-Face Robot for Dementia Care in India: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to understand the acceptability of social robots and the adaptation of the Hybrid-Face Robot for dementia care in India.

Methods: We conducted a focus group discussion and in-depth interviews with persons with dementia (PwD), their caregivers, professionals in the field of dementia, and technical experts in robotics to collect qualitative data.

Results: This study explored the following themes: Acceptability of Robots in Dementia Care in India, Adaptation of Hybrid-Face Robot and Future of Robots in Dementia Care. Caregivers and PwD were open to the idea of social robot use in dementia care; caregivers perceived it to help with the challenges of caregiving and positively viewed a future with robots.

Discussion: This study is the first of its kind to explore the use of social robots in dementia care in India by highlighting user needs and requirements that determine acceptability and guiding adaptation.

Keywords: India; assistive technology; dementia; dementia care; robot; social robot.