Requirements and Platforms for Social Agents That Alarm and Support Elderly Living Alone

Social embodied agents may mitigate moments of apathy and confusion that older adults can experience at home. Based on a literature study, use cases, requirements and claims were specified. In an experiment with 29 older adults (aged 70+), it was studied to what extent a virtual agent and three robots (i.e., the Nao, iCat and Nabaztag) provide a platform to support these use cases, requirements and claims. Participants seemed to evaluate the agents mainly in terms of three generic components: the perceived level of realism, intellectuality and friendliness. A more serious and agreeable appearance improved the appreciation of the agent's actions. Especially facial realism appeared to be important for trust, social presence, perceived sociability and perceived enjoyment.

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