Avatars and Robots as Social Companions in Healthcare

Abstract

Elder care is of increasing global concern. The aging population is expected to increase two-fold by 2050. It is anticipated that there will not be enough caregivers to assist the elderly very soon, and thus researchers and entrepreneurs are looking at various types of information systems (IS) that will help alleviate the challenges in elder care. This paper examines one such IS: conversational agents in the form of avatars or robots as an aid to (i) decrease loneliness and depression among the elderly, (ii) increase cognitive function and quality of life, and (iii) generally help manage patient care. We discuss the state-of-the-science of research prototypes and commercial off-the-shelf ISs. We propose a novel concept and design, and we discuss the ethical ramifications of elderly patients possibly bonding with inanimate objects as if they were human companions.