Interdisciplinary Development and Reflection of a Robotic System for Nursing: An Overview of the AdaMeKoR Project

Abstract

Abstract The interdisciplinary AdaMeKoR project ( An Adaptive Multi-Component Robot System for Nursing Care ) focused on the development, evaluation, and reflection of a robotic system for nursing care. Conducted from 2020 to 2023, its goal was to create solutions that support both care recipients and professional caregivers. The project investigated the potential for physical relief of caregivers and patients’ increased autonomy, guided by the central question of how good care can be supported, while also considering implementation research and ethical implications. This article provides an overview of the project’s theoretical framework, a description of the developed system, and four exemplary empirical studies. The results include quantitative data on the physical relief potential and user experiences with different control formats, as well as qualitative findings from implementation research and ethical analysis. Further, these results are contextualized with respect to the support of good care . Finally, the article discusses broad implications for the research and implementation of robotic systems in nursing care and outlines key overarching insights. The project demonstrates the clear benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration that incorporates the perspectives of all stakeholders involved in care.