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Technology acceptance and user-centred design of assistive exoskeletons for older adults: a commentary
Date
2018
Abstract
Assistive robots are emerging as technologies that enable older adults to perform activities of daily living with autonomy. Exoskeletons are a subset of assistive robots that can support mobility. Perceptions and acceptance of these technologies require understanding in a user-centred design context to ensure optimum experience and adoption by as broad a spectrum of older adults as possible. The adoption and use of assistive robots for activities of daily living (ADL) by older adults is poorly understood. Older adult acceptance of technology is affected by numerous factors, such as perceptions and stigma associated with dependency and ageing. Assistive technology (AT) models provide theoretical frameworks that inform decision-making in relation to assistive devices for people with disabilities. However, technology acceptance models (TAMs) are theoretical explanations of factors that influence why users adopt some technologies and not others. Recent models have emerged specifically describing technology acceptance by older adults. In the context of exoskeleton design, these models could influence design approaches. This article will discuss a selection of TAMs, displaying a chronology that highlights their evolution, and two prioritised TAMs—Almere and the senior technology acceptance model (STAM)—that merit consideration when attempting to understand acceptance and use of assistive robots by older adults.
Supervisor
Description
peer-reviewed
Erratum added 25 Jan /2019
Publisher
MDPI
Citation
Robotics;7(1),3
Funding code
Funding Information
European Research Council (ERC)
Sustainable Development Goals
External Link
Type
Article
Rights
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/1.0/