Perception and Acceptability of Social Robots in Healthcare: Ethnographic Research Based on a Qualitative Case Study

Medical care is changing, driven both by necessity as well as innovation. The European healthcare sector’s digital transformation involves the rapid adoption of advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, autonomous systems, and Big Data. The study “Perception and acceptability of social robots in healthcare: ethnographic research based on a qualitative case study” investigates interaction with and acceptability of social robots in a pilot project based in Maribor Hospital, as a part of the European HosmartAI project. These robots functioned largely to assist patients and as “administrative support” for the nurses and doctors. This study focuses on the interactions of healthcare personnel with robots, including any emotions or fears and barriers that arose. The goal was to understand robot acceptance and challenges from a human-centric and individual perspective, focussing on key stakeholders that both use and develop these robots. All stakeholders are part of HosmartAI Living Labs, which works through collaboration to design and deliver advanced technologies.