Study on the Appearance Preference of Lonely Elderly People to Accompany Robots

This study examined whether preferences for companion robot profiles differed between those lonely elderly and those non-lonely elderly. The researchers obtained 120 samples of existing companion robots, ultimately analyzing 36 representative samples. Additionally, the study tested loneliness in 54 elderly people and collected data on the preferences of 54 groups of elderly individuals, each answering a questionnaire survey. To determine whether there were apparent differences in robot profile preference between lonely and non-lonely elderly individuals, the researchers utilized correspondence analysis. This allowed them to analyze the data represented by the four cluster groups (G) formed based on the relationship between two dimensions (2*2) on a coordinate axis –whether the individual lonely elderly and their preference for robot profiles. The results revealed that those without loneliness tended to prefer products with a strong sense of design focused on science and technology, as well as future fashion innovation. In contrast, solitary elderly individuals paid more attention to the dynamic, authentic experiences present in real life, such as anthropomorphic action robots, preferring those with naturally rich colors and pleasant, vibrant features. In terms of emotions, solitary elderly individuals’ preferences for robot profiles aligned more closely with reflective processing levels, while non-lonely individuals aligned more closely with intuitive processing levels. Ultimately, the findings suggest that lonely elderly may require more emotional pleasure with arousing stimuli from their robotic companions.