Exploring Human-Robot Interactions for Older Adults

Robots are being developed to support activities and enhance abilities of older adults in their homes and communities. If these robots are to be effectively integrated into these contexts, their design must be informed by fundamental knowledge of human abilities, preferences, limitations, and experiences. Our research is focused on guiding robot design to support the needs and preferences of older adults. I will present a human-robot interaction framework based on user-centered and universal design principles that encompasses four primary dimensions relevant to design: the human, the robot, the interaction, and the environment. I will share examples of our research with assistive and social robots to support older adults with varying levels of cognitive and physical abilities and limitations. Robots have the potential to improve quality of life for older adults – our research is striving to make that potential a reality.

Registration is FREE, but required to reserve your seat.

About the speaker:

Wendy A. Rogers, Ph.D., is Khan Professor of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She received her B.A. from the University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth, and her M.S. and Ph.D. from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She is a Certified Human Factors Professional (BCPE Certificate #1539). She is Director of the McKechnie Family LIFE Home and of the Human Factors and Aging Laboratory. Her research focuses on advanced technology design to support cognitive, physical, and emotional health, including robots, smart-home technology, extended reality, digital health, telehealth, and wearables. Her work is funded by the National Institutes of Health through the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) and the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technologies to Support Aging-in-Place for People with Long-Term Disabilities (TechSAge). She has been recognized by professional societies for her mentoring of students and junior colleagues with the HFES Paul M. Fitts Education Award, the APA Adult Development and Aging Mentor Award, and the HFE Woman Mentor of the Year.

The annual Spring Lecture is hosted in partnership with the Texas Instruments Alumni Association and made possible by the Jean & Bill Booziotis Distinguished Lecture funds.

Info: Join us at the Texas Instruments Inspiration Hall inside the Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center for a welcome reception before the lecture starts. Refreshments will be served.

Info: Robots are being developed to support activities and enhance abilities of older adults in their homes and communities. If these robots are to be effectively integrated into these contexts, their design must be informed by fundamental knowledge of human abilities, preferences, limitations, and experiences. Our research is focused on guiding robot design to support the needs and preferences of older adults. I will present a human-robot interaction framework based on user-centered and universal design principles that encompasses four primary dimensions relevant to design: the human, the robot, the interaction, and the environment. I will share examples of our research with assistive and social robots to support older adults with varying levels of cognitive and physical abilities and limitations. Robots have the potential to improve quality of life for older adults – our research is striving to make that potential a reality.

Info: Dr. Wendy Rogers will take questions from the audience after the presentation.

Info: Learn about the research that happens at the Center for Vital Longevity! Visit with our 8 research labs at their poster exhibits to find out what they are currently working on.

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