Technology acceptance and perceptions of robotic assistive devices by older adults – implications for exoskeleton design

Shore, Linda; de Eyto, Adam; O�Sullivan, Leonard

Abstract

Aim
This study explored and interpreted insights expressed by a cohort of older adults related to their life experience, their experiences using or assisting someone with assistive devices, and their perceptions of robots and robotic assistive devices, including lower limb exoskeletons.

Method
A grounded theory study was undertaken with 24 older adult participants over five months. Each participant participated in a structured interviewed regarding their experiences with technologies and in particular their perceptions of assistive technologies. Themes from the interviews were coded using Nvivo software.

Results
Five main themes emerged from this study – (1) Aging & life stage experiences, (2) Quality of Life, (3) Assistive Technologies, (4) Health Conditions & Care, (5) Products & Service Systems. These have influenced new constructs for a hybrid design tool that incorporates stages of Usability and TAMs (Technology Acceptance Models) to gauge (a) Perception, (b) Experience and (c) Perceived Impact by older adults of lower limb exoskeletons.

Conclusions
Emerging technologies such as robotic assistive devices require a specific enquiry to understand how best to optimise acceptance by older adults and avoid feelings by them of frustration, embarrassment and ultimately abandonment of these devices.

Citation

Shore, L., de Eyto, A., & O’Sullivan, L. (2022). Technology acceptance and perceptions of robotic assistive devices by older adults – implications for exoskeleton design. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 17(7), 782-790. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2020.1817988

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 28, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Sep 29, 2020
• Publication Date: 2022
• Deposit Date: Mar 25, 2021
• Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology
• Print ISSN: 1748-3107
• Electronic ISSN: 1748-3115
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 782-790
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2020.1817988
• Keywords: Older adults, technology acceptance, exoskeletons, user-centred design, grounded theory
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2745566