Project Overview

Social robots are designed to help humans by interacting with them. These types of robots are promising in their potential to support the brain health of older adults, for example by reducing stress and providing reminders for important activities. Despite these benefits, few older adults use social robots, due to misunderstandings about what robots can and cannot do, difficulties in connecting with the robot, and concerns about ethical issues. The goal of the Designing Innovative Social Robots through end-User ParTicipation (DISRUPT) project is to test a new approach for the development of social robots that brings together experts in different areas in a co-creation process. In a first step, we will use surveys and interviews to gain a better understanding of the benefits and harms older adults experience when they interact with social robots. In a second step, we will host workshops with older adults, computer scientists, engineers, ethicists and health care providers to co-create robots. The DISRUPT project will also include different knowledge exchange activities, like tweet chats, webinars and policy development. Altogether, the DISRUPT project will play a key role in showcasing the benefits of engaging older adults in research, social robot co-creation and policy, and in advancing the field of social robotics.