Social Robots for Elderly Care: An Inventory of Promising Use Cases and Business Models

Abstract

This paper discusses a study that aimed to elicit promising application areas and potential business models for social robotics in healthcare. For this goal, we conducted focus groups with care professionals and the management of elderly care organizations in the Netherlands and Germany. Three use cases were mentioned as the most promising: the robot as a ubiquitous aid, the robot as a helper in the room, and the robot as a guide. Finally, we discuss the implications of the medical device and privacy legislation for these three use cases.