Envisioning social robots in daily life: A home-based design study with older adults in Pakistan

Ahmad, Sunbul Muneeb, Ahmad, Muneeb Imtiaz, Fuentes, Carolina ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0871-939X, Verdezoto, Nervo and Stawarz, Katarzyna ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9021-0615 2025. Envisioning social robots in daily life: A home-based design study with older adults in Pakistan. Presented at: BCS HCI, Cardiff, UK, 9-11 November 2025.

Preview

PDF - Submitted Pre-Print Version Download (6MB) | Preview

Abstract

As life expectancy increases, the global population is aging, which has led to increased interest in social robots designed to support independent living, emotional well-being, and caregiving. However, most research and development in this area is based on Western cultural assumptions and infrastructures, creating a gap in understanding how these social robots may be accepted in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In this paper, we present findings from our design sessions conducted with older adults in Pakistan, as part of a broader home-based research study exploring the role of social robots in later stages of life. This study examined how older adults envision incorporating robots into their daily routines and what expectations they have regarding their use through co-design methods. The results highlight the importance of culturally sensitive robot design and user involvement in the development of social robots for LMICs. The study presents design recommendations for developing social robots that are contextually relevant and aligned with the values and care needs of older adults in Pakistan. Additionally, it compares the cultural dynamics of LMICs with the literature from high-income countries (HICs).

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Computer Science & Informatics
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	21 October 2025
Date of Acceptance:	2 September 2025
Last Modified:	22 Oct 2025 12:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/181806

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item