Robots and Aged Care: A Case Study Assessing Implementation of Service Robots in an Aged Care Home
Project Period: 2022-2023
Abstract
The aged care industry is under pressure from stressors including increasing resident numbers and difficulty meeting staffing requirements. Robots may be able to support the industry by filling many vital roles, however it is currently unclear how successful implementation of robots in aged care can occur, and detailed in situ assessment and mapping of robotic deployment in these settings is lacking. The current case study examines early-stage implementation of robots at an aged care home in Australia, assessing logistical, technical and person factors. Key facilitators and barriers to successful deployment are identified, including identifying needs and roles, health and safety issues and technical support. The findings illustrate the potential for robots in aged care and provide a blueprint for the steps needed for long-term effectiveness and commercial viability.
Project Period: 2022-2023
Study Location: Lutheran Homes Barossa
Team Members: Janie Busby Grant; Damith Herath; Sharni Konrad; Lee Martin
Publication
D. C. Herath, L. Martin, S. Doolan and J. B. Grant, “Robots and Aged Care: A Case Study Assessing Implementation of Service Robots in an Aged Care Home,” 2023 32nd IEEE International Conference on Robot and Human Interactive Communication (RO-MAN), Busan, Korea, Republic of, 2023, pp. 1641-1647, doi: 10.1109/RO-MAN57019.2023.10309361.
Janie Busby Grant
Psychology Research Lead
Associate Professor Janie Busby Grant is the Psychology Research Lead at CRL, where her work integrates human-robot interaction and artificial intelligence with a foundation in cognitive psychology and research design. With a strong emphasis on practical applications, Janie brings a reconciliatory approach to interdisciplinary research, particularly in exploring factors influencing human perception of, and engagement with robotic systems.
Damith Herath
Founder/Lead Collaborative Robotics Lab
Professor Damith Herath is the Founder and leader of the Collaborative Robotics Lab (CRL). His work focuses on exploring how robots and humans can collaborate, with an emphasis on the intersection of engineering, psychology, and the arts. His interdisciplinary approach actively seeks insights across diverse fields, promoting innovation and collaboration that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries.