Exploring Perceptions toward Home-Care Robots for Older People in Finland, Ireland, and Japan: A Comparative Questionnaire Study

Abstract Purpose To clarify potential users’ perceptions toward the development and social implementation of home-care robots in Japan, Ireland, and Finland. Methods Unsigned, self-administered questionnaires were distributed to adults aged 65 or older, family caregivers, and home-care/health and social care professionals. A total of 1,004 responses were collected. Results In Japan, many people were already familiar with robots in their daily lives. The most notable finding about their perspectives on home-care robots was related to safety. Moreover, 93.7% of the Japanese respondents said, “If the user cannot decide whether to use a home-care robot, family members who know the user well should decide,” followed by 76.4% in Ireland and 83.1% in Finland (p  Conclusions Devising optimal strategies for the development and social implementation of home-care robots by incorporating various perspectives while valuing human dignity will require examination of each country’s characteristics with respect to history, culture, policies, and values related to robots.