Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Karen Day is a pioneering researcher in the field of assistive robotics for elderly care, focusing on how technology can enhance independence and quality of life for older adults. Her work bridges human-robot interaction, gerontechnology, and participatory design, with a strong emphasis on user-centered approaches. Day’s most cited study, “Attitudes towards health‐care robots in a retirement village” (226 citations), revealed critical insights into how residents, staff, and families perceive robotic assistance, shaping future design priorities. She also led the feasibility study of a robotic medication assistant (26 citations), demonstrating how robots can support complex self-care tasks like medication management. Her research on non-technology implications (22 citations) highlights the social, ethical, and organizational factors that influence robot adoption in aged care. Day’s notable achievement includes developing an interactive robotic device that empowers older patients to engage in self-care, using grounded theory and participatory design methods. With a career dedicated to making technology accessible and meaningful for aging populations, Day’s work has profoundly influenced the design and implementation of healthcare robots, ensuring they meet the real-world needs of older users and caregivers alike.