Interactive robots for health in Europe: Technology readiness and adoption potential

IntroductionSocial robots are accompanied by high expectations of what they can bring to society and in the healthcare sector. So far, promising assumptions have been presented about how and where social robots are most relevant. We know that the industry has used robots for a long time, but what about social uptake outside industry, specifically, in the healthcare sector? This study discusses what trends are discernible, to better understand the gap between technology readiness and adoption of interactive robots in the welfare and health sectors in Europe. MethodsAn assessment of interactive robot applications at the upper levels of the Technology Readiness Level scale is combined with an assessment of adoption potential based on Rogers' theory of diffusion of innovation. Most robot solutions are dedicated to individual rehabilitation or frailty and stress. Fewer solutions are developed for managing welfare services or public healthcare. ResultsThe results show that while robots are ready from the technological point of view, most of the applications had a low score for demand according to the stakeholders. DiscussionTo enhance social uptake, a more initiated discussion, and more studies on the connections between technology readiness and adoption and use are suggested. Applications being available to users does not mean they have an advantage over previous solutions. Acceptance of robots is also heavily dependent on the impact of regulations as part of the welfare and healthcare sectors in Europe.

Automated summary

This study explores the gap between technological readiness and adoption of social robots in the welfare and healthcare sectors in Europe. The results show that while robots are technologically ready, they have a low score for demand according to stakeholders. To enhance social uptake, more research on the connection between technology readiness and adoption is suggested, as well as considering the impact of regulations in the welfare and healthcare sectors in Europe.