Aspects of Socially Assistive Robots Design for Dementia Care

Abstract

Increasing prevalence of dementia matched with higher demand on healthcare services poses a challenge to society. The use of innovative technologies such as robotics has been identified as one of the solutions to this predicament. The design of Socially Assistive Robots (SAR) is a multidisciplinary field that needs to incorporate the diverse requirements of people with dementia and their carers. This paper attempts to identify important considerations for the successful design of SARs and to categorize them. A taxonomy of SAR's features is proposed, best practice design approaches, technology acceptance and ethical issues are examined. Recommendations for future areas of research are outlined.