A Preliminary Study of Robotic Media Effects on Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment in Solitude

We investigate how older adults with mild cognitive impairment can be affected by a robot companion at home in a long-term study. For this purpose, we selected two participants living alone and set up the robotic communication media RoBoHoN at their homes so that participants could interact with it at any time for one and half to three months. After the trial, we conducted interviews to collect data regarding their feelings about, attachment to, and relationship with the robot. We also interviewed their family members. Our exploratory research revealed that participants had developed various ways of adaptation to their new life with the companion. Based on the interview results, we identified their mental stability as a media effect. The physical, psychological, and social aspects of the effects were analyzed and discussed for better understanding of issues and challenges to be addressed in further studies.