Integrating Socially Assistive Robots into Japanese Nursing Care

Abstract

This paper presents experiences of integrating assistive robots in Japanese nursing care through semi-structured interviews and site observations at three nursing homes in Japan during the spring of 2019. The study looked at experiences with the robots Paro, Pepper, and Qoobo. The goal was to investigate and evaluate the current state of using robots in the nursing care context, firsthand experiences with intended and real use, as well as response from the elderly and nursing staff. The qualitative analysis results pointed out user satisfaction, adjusted purpose, therapeutic and entertaining effects. Potentials of robots to assist in elderly care is advantageous. Limitations currently relate to the lack of ways to fully utilized and integrate robots.