SOcial Co-creation of Robotic Aging TEchnologieS (SOCRATES).

Improving independence and quality of life for older adults can be realized by complementing human care with robotic
assistive technologies. Social robots, defined as robots with a goal of providing assistance to human users through
social interaction, are promising in their potential to support aging in place, and promote the cognitive health of older
adults. A recent systematic review of controlled trials analyzing the impact of social robots on the well-being of older
adults suggests that social robots can improve nine quality of life outcomes, including reducing loneliness, stress and
anxiety. Despite these benefits, the adoption of robotics in older adult populations remains low due to concerns about
technical readiness, user benefits, and immediate and long-term ethical and social impacts.
There is tremendous opportunity for innovation in the field of social robotics, as we are currently at a critical crossroad:
though several technically advanced solutions already exist, including some commercially available products, new
interdisciplinary development and implementation strategies are needed to improve on existing platforms and deliver
“real world ready” social robots with older adult-specific functionality and emotional alignment. Recent advances in
affective computing and artificial intelligence demonstrate that integrating emotionally-responsive algorithms into existing
technology can lead to measurable benefits in a laboratory environment. Here we will build on these successes and
integrate them into a co-design process for social robot applications that brings together expertise in health sciences,
sociology, computer science, robotics engineering as well as lived experience.
The specific goal of the SOcial Co-creation of Robotic Aging TEchnologieS (SOCRATES) project is to create and test a
holistic approach to social robot development that addresses key adoption barriers using an interdisciplinary, co-design
methodology. Through two research aims, the SOCRATES project will involve the development of an affective social
robot solutions specifically tailored to older adult needs and emotions, and will yield an evidence-based blueprint for
effective and ethical technology co-creation. An innovative knowledge exchange platform will build on these deliverables
and serve to ignite a conversation about the future of social robotics.