[Emotional robots in a nursing context : Empirical analysis of the present use and the effects of Paro and Pleo].
Journal:
Zeitschrift fur Gerontologie und Geriatrie
PMID:
29218400
Abstract
BACKGROUND: It has been questioned by researchers in robotics as well in the general public to what extent companion-type robots can support the elderly with the fulfillment of their psychological and social needs. Although these robots have already been used in care settings in Germany, research has referred little to this practical experience in order to analyze their impact and benefit. To start to close this gap, the current article reports on the current use of companion-type robots in care settings, on the effects reported by professional caregivers as well as on the role of psychosocial needs in the acceptance and use of companion-type robots by the elderly.