Current trends in Gerontechnology. Recent findings from the Austrian-German-Swiss Chapter

Abstract

B. Klein, S. Merkel (Convener)

Participants: A. Baumeister (GERMANY), J. Bleja (Germany), B. Klein (Germany), A. Kucharski (GERMANY) S. MERKEL (GERMANY), M. Ringwald (GERMANY), B. KLEIN (discussant) ISSUE: The session circles around new technologies that have gained increasing relevance for the field of gerontechnology. It follows the idea that these new technologies ask for new theories and methods not only to understand their technical functionality but also social aspects and consequences. Applying theories and methods of social sciences, sciences, and technology studies (STS) and media studies, the session follows an interdisciplinary approach. CONTENT: The symposium brings together research and evidence of the German speaking chapters of the ISG (Austria, Germany, and Switzerland) and covers a broad spectrum of recent developments. STRUCTURE: Alexander Kucharski shares insights from an exploratory study on the domestication of smart speakers by older persons in Germany. Drawing on seven case studies he explores perspectives of older smart speaker users on their real-world domestication processes of smart speakers to understand how older users negotiate(d) the appropriation, meaning and (non)-use of smart speakers and its contents/applications within their individual socio-technical contexts, i.e. life-worlds. Sebastian Merkel also deals with the topic of smart speakers by focusing on applications or so-called skills and images of ageing. He concludes that most skills addressed at older persons rather emphasize deficit-oriented/medicalized images of aging and hence user representations. J. Bleja reports on the development of a chatbot operated via smart speakers for care consultation. As a first task expert interviews have been carried out. The results indicate potential use cases, support of the anamnesis procedure being one of them.
In the next two contributions, the focus is on assistive robotics. Annalies Baumeister presents a project to improve the use of a robotic arm for people with little or no arm function by an adaptive AI-based control system. In Workshops and interviews with the user groups everyday scenarios were identified which can improve significantly by this new way of user-robot-interaction. Key factor for acceptance is the embodiment of robots. Marina Ringwald presents the interdisciplinary development of an embodiment utilizing participatory design with older people as potential user group. Design options are realized in 3D models in augmented reality and evaluated in an iterative approach before a physical prototype is produced. Finally, Barbara Klein addresses the need to train professionals in the health and social care sector in these assistive digital technologies by presenting a certification course developed by a consortium of twelve partner in a European project. The materials will help professionals learn about and further communicate new solutions to support the independence and self-determination of their clients and beneficiaries. CONCLUSION: Consequently, it is argued that gerontechnology benefits from a closer cooperation and knowledge exchange of interdisciplinary research teams including professionals and user groups. Participatory design and involving older users and other stakeholders are key elements, but still more research is needed, especially when utilizing new methods such as augmented reality in the design and development processes.