Abstract

Social robotics is a rapidly evolving field with the potential to improve people’s quality of life in many areas, especially healthcare. Social robots can provide companionship, emotional support, and help with daily activities, especially for the elderly and people who need assistance. They can also be used to improve psychological well-being by promoting cognitive stimulation activities. Psychology plays a central role in tailoring interactions between the elderly and these robots, considering factors such as anxiety, loneliness, cognitive levels, and individual preferences. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to the loss of meaningful relationships, and social isolation and loneliness can have a negative impact on their physical and mental health. Psychology has played an increasingly important role in the design and development of social robots in recent years, and this trend is likely to continue. Psychology provides deeper insights into the needs and motivations of the target users, which can lead to designs that are more acceptable to users, maximize benefits, and minimize risks. While research in social robotics for healthcare is still in its early stages, the experience of the European project MARIO (Managing Active and healthy aging with use of caRing servIce rObots) demonstrates its significant potential to transform the way people receive assistance in this context. The most significant challenges have revolved around designing robots that can recognize and respond to users’ emotions and interact with humans in a natural and engaging way. The results have shown that social robots are generally well-accepted by users, but there are still several challenges that need to be addressed.