Effects of Hyodol Companion Robots for Socially Isolated Older Adults

Abstract

ISSUE Considering the current social isolation ‘epidemic’ and its deleterious mental, cognitive, and physical health effects, especially among solo-living older adults, human-robot interactions have the potential to provide emotional support and to reduce social isolation. Companion robots that can engage emotionally with older adults, and provide continuous monitoring and assessment of healthcare needs, have been proposed to help older adults who may lack human caregivers.

CONTENT Our symposium is designed to bring together interdisciplinary speakers to present study findings 1) to evaluate the effects of affordable, multifunction companion robots called Hyodol and its acceptability among socially isolated older adults and 2) to discuss ways in which technology can improve the lives of older adults when barriers to use and adoption are overcome.

STRUCTURE All three studies presented in this symposium examine the effects of Hyodol. The 20” doll incorporates a fabric body, dressed in a girl or boy costume, which contains embedded sensors with Artificial Intelligence features enabling two-way conversations. The mixed-method study by Lee and colleagues examined the effects of Hyodol on depressive symptoms and quality of life among impoverished and isolated older adults in South Korea. Next, Jo and colleagues demonstrated the effectiveness of Hyodol in homecare for community dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Finally, Shin and Jeon discuss the barriers that hinder effective use of robots and call for a dynamic and situated understanding of robots and their uses.

CONCLUSION The study findings provide preliminary knowledge and explore a viable community-based intervention program for socially isolated older adults. At a time when most participants are isolated at home due to the COVID pandemic, most found it beneficial to have such an aid at home. Hyodol’s enabled multimodal communication, including visual and tactile sensations along with a dialogue, proved to be a major benefit for participants. Hyodol can help users better manage their physical and mental healthcare needs when technological, structural, and institutional barriers to use and adoption are overcome. Our findings can help researchers, robot developers, and clinicians better understand the acceptability and viability of using low-cost companion robots to benefit socially isolated older adults.