The PoSoRo (Portable Social Robot with High Level of Engagement) project is an innovative research initiative aimed at enhancing the interaction between elderly users and social robots. The project focuses on creating a portable, user-friendly robot that fosters a strong emotional bond with seniors, thereby maximizing the benefits of social robotics in promoting healthy aging. Building on previous research and prototypes, PoSoRo is designed to be more than just a robotic companion—it is a tool to improve mental stimulation, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life for the elderly.
PoSoRo continues a long-standing research tradition in social robotics, drawing from past projects such as ROBSEN and ROSES. These projects explored various robotic platforms, including desktop and mobile robots, to assist elderly people with cognitive impairments. While these earlier efforts demonstrated the potential of social robots, they also highlighted a critical challenge: maintaining user engagement over time. PoSoRo addresses this challenge by focusing on strategies to enhance the interaction between the robot and the user, ensuring that the robot remains a valuable and engaging companion for seniors.
Aim
The primary aim of the PoSoRo project is to develop a portable social robot that significantly enhances user engagement, particularly among elderly populations. The project seeks to address the issue of declining interest in social robots, which often occurs after the initial novelty wears off. By increasing the time seniors spend interacting with the robot and sustaining their interest, PoSoRo aims to maximize the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits that these robots can offer.
To achieve this, PoSoRo will explore and implement a variety of engagement strategies that have been proven effective in other fields, such as social psychology and game theory. These strategies include the use of variable reward systems, personalization of user experiences, and the incorporation of natural non-verbal communication modes, such as touch and gesture recognition. The robot will be designed to adapt its behavior based on the user’s interactions, preferences, and emotional state, creating a more personalized and meaningful experience.
Moreover, PoSoRo aims to bridge the gap between human and robot interaction by making the robot’s responses and behaviors more intuitive and relatable for elderly users. This involves not only improving the robot’s ability to recognize and respond to physical and emotional cues but also ensuring that the robot’s design and functionality align with the needs and preferences of seniors. By focusing on these aspects, PoSoRo strives to create a social robot that is not only engaging but also effective in contributing to the mental and emotional well-being of the elderly.
Through close collaboration with gerontology experts and continuous feedback from elderly users, PoSoRo will iteratively refine its design and functionalities. This ensures that the final product is well-suited to the diverse needs of seniors, ultimately leading to a robot that is not only a technological marvel but also a trusted companion that supports healthy aging.
Grant PID2022-140345OB-I00
Funded by:
