Roles and Effects of Communication Robots in Super-Aging Societies: Innovative Collaboration Between Patient, Caregiver, and Machine

Japan is a world leader in robotics, especially in healthcare settings. Japanese communication robots with artificial intelligence can interact with humans using personal verbal communication and gestures such as hand and foot movements and are widely used in nursing care sites nationwide. In this chapter, we discuss the expected effects and roles of communication robots for the provision of services to older adults with different sublevels of competence. Specifically, we describe our previous research using the communication robot PALRO, that is, a humanoid communication robot with artificial intelligence capabilities (Fujisoft, Inc.), and examine the possibility and potential challenges of cooperation between humans and the communication robot PALRO. In our previous research, we first examined the effects in physical and cognitive function among healthy older adults by creating a new exercise program named “PALRO-cise” that is jointly provided by communication robots and nursing staff. Results of a non-randomized controlled trial in 2015 showed that PALRO-cise has positive effects on gait function and global cognitive function among healthy older adults and that these effects last for at least a few weeks. Second, we examined the effect of conversations with (reminder of schedules) and recreation (conversation, singing, and dancing) provided by communication robots on activities of daily living and mental health among older adults in geriatric health service facilities. Results of a short-term survey in 2019 showed that conversations with and recreation provided by communication robots help maintain activities of daily living and improve mental health among older adults in geriatric health service facilities. Third, we examined the feasibility of using communication robots as a conversation partner for older adults in a nursing home. Results of a short-term survey of caregivers on older adults’ health in 2019 showed that conversations which included reminding participants of their schedules and questions about orientation to time and place with PALRO in an individual’s room may provide a psychological sense of security and satisfaction for older adults in a nursing home. We also examined the effect on caregivers and found that use of the communication robot as a conversation partner for older adults may reduce psychological burden among caregivers. We suggest that communication robots may become a key health service provider, including for health promotion and nursing care, in super-aging societies. The characteristics of communication robots—their ability to be updated with the latest information, absence of working hour restrictions, and patience—may enable them to contribute to enhancing the health and welfare industry in super-aging societies.