[Potentials and challenges of social robots in relationships with older people: a rapid review of current debates].

backgroundSocial relationships are essential resources for psychological well-being and physical health. In old age, increased vulnerability and loss of functions are accompanied by diminishing social networks reinforcing a vicious circle. This decrease of social cohesion presents risks for health and well-being that might be cushioned by introducing social robots.

objectiveWhat potentials and challenges for older people result from their interaction with social robots? MATERIAL UND

methodsThe objectives are approached via a rapid review. The systematic search resulted in 433 unique articles. Of these 11 articles were included in the analysis.

resultsSocial robots have the potential to reduce loneliness, reinforce (interpersonal) communication, enhance the mood while reducing stress. Challenges lie in the social embedding of the interaction with robots. Authors suggest principles such as charity, autonomy, and privacy as helpful guidelines for the design and use of social robots to prevent a loss of social relationships.

conclusionThe results present corridors for the viable use of social robots for older adults offering to exploit existing potentials. At the core lies a view on the individual case with its unique circumstances and predispositions, because social robots bear positive and negative outcomes regarding social relationships. The identified studies focused on deficient settings (e.g., particular disorders within care facilities). Thus, research on the use of social robots by healthy adults should add to the existing literature.