Development of a design tool to optimise acceptance of exoskeletons by older adults

Abstract

Older adults may have some prior use and knowledge of technology, but may also express or\nexperience the digital divide, whereby the pace of emerging technology can present challenges\nto older adults and their ability to ‘keep up’. This can be a factor to device abandonment or loss\nin confidence to adopt the technology. The experience of ageing can be a positive one, with\nmany older adults expressing the freedoms of mind and body when possible.\nExoskeletons and exosuits offer capacity to augment the ability and mobility of older adults\nwho experience functional limitations. However, these emerging technologies also present\nchallenges of acceptance and adoption by older adult users. It is critical that understanding and\ninsights are incorporated throughout concept development phases as a means to optimise\nacceptance and adoption.\n\nStudy 1 explored and engaged with 22 older adult participants in order to observe and\nunderstand challenges to mobility and quality of life as we age. In addition, it implemented a\nnumber of design methods and collaborative approaches in order to share the findings from the\nfieldwork, culminating in a Co-Design Symposium.\nStudy 2 completed a narrative review regarding the Technology Acceptance Models and user\ncentred design guidance in relation to older adults’ acceptance of exoskeletons.\nStudy 3 was an opportunity to conduct a second phase of fieldwork with 24 new older adult\nparticipants. The purpose of this fieldwork was to investigate the perceptions older adults have\nto emerging technologies, including exoskeletons.\nStudy 4 Upon completion and analysis of the fieldwork, novel outputs emerged that created\nthe basis for a Pilot study with older adult participants and XoSoft exoskeleton in a lab setting.\nGlobally, as the ageing population currently continues to grow, the intervention of social robots\nand robotic assistive devices offers potential additional supports to independence and quality\nof life.\nGerontechnology ensures we, as designers or developers of emerging technologies include\nunderstanding of the older adults’ experience and acceptance as part of a user-centred design\napproach. Older adults have specific acceptance criteria regarding exoskeletons and exosuits,\nand to date, this is currently not widely understood or documented.\nThis research documents a ground theory approach, gaining knowledge, understanding and\ninsights from older adults. It offers interpretations and analyses that have emerged as crucial\nfactors to the development of an original approach to exoskeleton and exosuit development.