ArticleBMC geriatrics2026
Seeking the right match: a hermeneutic phenomenological study of how older adults negotiate anthropomorphic perceptions, role identity and functional needs in elderly care robots.
Article in BMC geriatrics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundWith the aging of the population, robots are increasingly being applied in elderly care. Elderly care robots have great potential to provide help for older adults and address the growing challenges posed by population aging. The anthropomorphic design of elderly care robots is a significant factor influencing older adults’ acceptance. This study focused on the varying anthropomorphic appearances of elderly care robots, exploring older adults’ anthropomorphic perceptions, role identity, and acceptance attitudes towards them, and constructing a matching framework of “anthropomorphic perceptions-role identity-function needs” to enhance acceptance of elderly care robots among the aged. The findings can provide guidance for the anthropomorphic designs and application of elderly care robots.
objectivesThe study aimed (1) to clarify older adults’ anthropomorphic perceptions, role identity, and acceptance attitudes towards elderly care robots with different anthropomorphic appearances; (2) to develop a matching framework of “anthropomorphic perceptions-role identity-function needs” to prompt acceptance.
methodsA hermeneutic phenomenological approach was adopted. Eighteen older adults were recruited from local community centers to participate in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The interviews covered three key domains: (1) general understanding of elderly care robots, (2) perceptions and opinions of elderly care robots with different anthropomorphic appearances and designs, (3) preferences and acceptance for elderly care robots applying in homes.
resultsQualitative data identified three main themes (1. older adults exhibited various anthropomorphic perceptions towards elderly care robots with different anthropomorphic appearances; 2. older adults assigned different role identity to elderly care robots based on various anthropomorphic perceptions; 3. anthropomorphic perceptions-role identity-function needs matching enhanced elderly individuals’ acceptance of elderly care robots.) and nine sub-themes. Elderly care robots’ anthropomorphic appearances were found to influence individuals’ perceptions including warmth and competence perception, human-robot trust and control perception. According to different perceptions, older people perceived elderly care robots as animatronic pets, intelligent assistants and companions. The negotiation between older adults’ anthropomorphic perceptions, role identity and function needs enhanced their acceptance of elderly care robots.
conclusionsThis study established a matching framework of “anthropomorphic perceptions-role identity-function needs” among elderly populations, which played a significant role in improve seniors’ acceptance of elderly care robots. The design of elderly care robots should adhere to user-centered principles, pay more attention to the psychological perceptions and practical needs of the elderly, and balance humanistic considerations with practicality. Emotional interaction and precise services should be emphasized to enhance quality of life in the elderly.
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