Which Values Matter to Socially Assistive Robots in Elder Care Settings? Empirically Investigating Values That Should Be Embedded in SARs from a Multi-Stakeholder Perspective

Abstract

The integration of socially assistive robots (SARs) in elder care settings has the potential to address critical labor shortages while enhancing the quality of care. However, the design of SARs must align with the values of various stakeholders to ensure their acceptance and efficacy. This study empirically investigates the values that should be embedded in SARs from a multi-stakeholder perspective, including care receivers, caregivers, therapists, relatives, and other involved parties. Utilizing a combination of semi-structured interviews and focus groups, we identify a wide range of values related to safety, trust, care, privacy, and autonomy, and illustrate how stakeholders interpret these values in real-world care environments. Our findings reveal several value tensions and propose potential resolutions to these tensions. Additionally, the study highlights under-researched values such as calmness and collaboration, which are critical in fostering a supportive and efficient care environment. Our work contributes to the understanding of value-sensitive design of SARs and aids practitioners in developing SARs that align with human values, ultimately promoting socially responsible applications in elder care settings.