A Randomized Controlled Trial of Robotic Support for Enhanced Well-being(RoSEW)

Previous research primarily compared scenarios with robots versus without robots, while this study examines how differences in robot activity levels and interaction levels affect older adults' well-being. In this study, this intervention includes a passive robot that would not initiate any interactions with older adults. In this arm, we employed LOVOT as a passive comfort object that only reacts to older adults when being triggered. Besides, this robot has no voice (i.e. the device was muted).

This intervention differs significantly from the Passove Robotic Support for Enhanced Well-Being primarily through its proactive social engagement capabilities and autonomous agency. This intervention actively seeks interaction by enabling free movement, approaching individuals, and following them. Furthermore, the robot in this intervention responds dynamically to auditory stimuli with sounds and head tilts, offering a richer, reciprocal interaction compared to Arm 1's limited reactive purring and eye blinks. This shift transforms the LOVOT's role from a passive comfort object into an active social catalyst designed to stimulate engagement and reciprocity.