The Tool, the Pet, the Carer & the Warden: A Conceptual Framework of How Older Adults Perceive Socially Assistive Robots

As the population of older adults in the UK grows, Socially Assistive Robots (SARs) are increasingly important for supporting independence and enhancing quality of life within the home. This study draws on the Computers Are Social Actors (CASA) framework to explore how older adults perceive and interact with anthropomorphized SARs. We present a framework that categorizes these devices into four roles: Carer, Pet, Warden, and Tool. The framework reflects relationship tolerance and autonomy, capturing the varied relational and emotional interactions older users have with SARs. Using qualitative methods, including interviews with 13 older adults in a virtual reality smart home setup, the findings reveal diverse user expectations. Devices like Alexa and a robotic cat align with the Pet role, providing companionship and emotional comfort, while humanoid robots fit the Warden role, offering oversight without attachment. Design implications emphasize customizable anthropomorphic features, enabling devices to adapt to users’ emotional and practical needs, ultimately fostering autonomy and quality of life for aging individuals.