Ready for a Social Robot? Results of a Cross-Sectional Survey Among Informal Caregivers in Hungary and Poland

OBJECTIVES: Homecare provided by family members (informal care) is increasing in ageing societies. Social robots may support informal caregivers in their demanding tasks. The aim of our research was to explore the suitability of informal care situations in Hungary (HU) and Poland (PL) for the introduction of social robots.

METHODS: An online survey was conducted in April–May 2024 in Hungary and Poland among informal caregivers (N=400/country). Sociodemographic characteristics of the caregivers were recorded. Participants were asked about their caregiving situation, their own and the care recipients’ digital activities, suitability of the care recipients’ home to accommodate a social robot and their own previous experience with robots.

RESULTS: In Hungary and Poland, the majority of the caregivers were female (HU=70%; PL=52%) with mean age of 49 (SD=12) and 43 (SD=14) years, respectively. Duration of care was >1 year in most cases (HU=50%; PL=57%), and the majority were living in the same household with the care recipient (HU=55%; PL=59%). Altogether 47% (HU) and 41% (PL) of the care recipients browse the internet, 40% (HU) and 30% (PL) use the internet regularly for communication and 66% (HU) and 70% (PL) use a mobile phone; among the caregivers internet browsing and communication were HU:76%/PL:77% and HU:79%/PL:73%, respectively. A large share of the caregivers indicated that the recipients’ home was not suitable for a robot to access (HU: 31%; PL: 42%) or to move around indoor (HU=31%; PL=34%). Only 27% (HU) and 31% (PL) of the caregivers have ever seen a robot (of any kind) before.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that, although with differences between countries, limited digital habits and the home design of care recipients might considerably hamper the use and acceptance of social robots in homecare. These factors need to be addressed in the development, market access and management of social robots.