Towards Augmented Reality-Based and Social Robot-Based Social Integration of Older Adults: A User Requirements Analysis.

Background: Older adults are at risk of social isolation and loneliness. As part of the CO-HUMANICS (Co-Presence of Humans and Interactive Companions for Seniors) project, augmented reality (AR)-based and telepresence robot-based systems are to be developed to support social integration of older adults. Aim: Following a human-centered approach, this study aims to identify requirements of older adults towards AR-based (RQ1) and telepresence robot-based (RQ2) communication that fosters social integration. Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted between May and October 2022 with N = 30 older adults (60–74 years old, 37% women) from Germany. Participants were presented with storyboard illustrations of hypothetical interpersonal communication scenarios involving an AR system and a telepresence robot and gave their detailed evaluations (mean interview duration 43 min). Results: Older adults had ambivalent and nuanced requirements for an AR system and a telepresence robot. Technology-specific and general requirements emerged from the data and were grouped into four dimensions: 1) technological requirements (ease of use, effortless contact initiation, realistic avatar design, intuitive movement control, anthropomorphism, and robot size), 2) emotional requirements (warmth, intimacy, companionship, and empowerment), 3) social requirements (potential for joint activities, multiparty interaction, and multitasking), and 4) administrative requirements (privacy, data protection, and affordability). Conclusions: Older adults recognized the potential of AR systems and telepresence robots to support their social integration; however, ease of use, privacy and data protection issues, and affordability remain an obstacle for technology acceptance.