Factors influencing elderly adoption of artificial intelligence robots for aging-in-place: motivators, barriers, and emotional impact

Abstract The growing use of artificially intelligent (AI) robots offers new opportunities for supporting elderly individuals who wish to age in place. Yet, the factors shaping their acceptance or rejection of such technologies remain underexplored. This study investigates how cognitive appraisals and affective processes influence elderly individuals’ willingness or objection to adopt AI robots in the aging-in-place context. Drawing on an extended AI device use acceptance (AIDUA) model, we surveyed 1,354 older adults using scenario-based vignettes of AI robots providing both healthcare and activity reminders, and social and daily routines reminders. Results show that trust in AI robots, effort expectancy of interacting with AI robots, and hedonic motivation strongly influence anticipatory emotional responses, which in turn mediate adoption and objection intentions. While social gratification enhances perceptions of usefulness, it does not significantly shape trust in AI robots or anticipatory emotions. Importantly, anticipatory emotions emerge as a central mechanism, translating appraisals into behavioral intentions. The study advances theory by integrating appraisal and gratification perspectives into the AIDUA model and highlights the importance of designing AI robots that reduce perceived effort of interacting with AI robots while fostering enjoyment, trust, and emotional comfort for older adults.