Socially-assistive robots and voice assistants for older adults

About the Project

Are you interested in designing robots or voice assistants for older adults? Join the effort to make socially intelligent systems for older adults. Older adults are a growing proportion of the UK's and the world's population. Automated technologies such as robots and voice assistants that operate in socially supportive roles may help older adults with daily activities, improve their self-efficacy and relieve caregiver burden. However, what should the robot or voice assistant do and how should it be designed? A user-centred design approach that involves older adults in the design of novel technology meant for older adults involves citizens in the design and research process. Moreover, an exploratory prototype of a robot or voice assistant system can support evaluation of the use case and lead to design recommendations prior to full development of a technical system.

Academic qualifications

Have, or expect to achieve by the time of start of the studentship a first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, ideally in Human-Robot Interaction, Artificial Intelligence, Human Factors Engineering, Computer Science, Psychology, Communication, Sociology or equivalent.

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

• Good fundamental knowledge of User-Centred Design, Prototyping, Research Methods
• Good reading and writing skills
• Previous experience with user studies
• Independence in running studies
• Only a first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level in a subject relevant to the PhD project will be considered, or equivalent achievements.

Desirable attributes:

• Practical experience in research or industry will be considered an advantage.

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APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (download)
• Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about:
  1. Background and motivation of the project. The motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
  2. Research questions or objectives.
  3. Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
  4. List of references.

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

To be considered, the application must use

• the advertised title as project title

For informal enquiries about this PhD project, please contact Dr Jamy Li via J.Li3@napier.ac.uk

References

Li, J., Qu, N. Z., & Penaranda Valdivia, K. (2022, December). Design of a social media voice assistant for older adults. In International Conference on Social Robotics (pp. 75-88). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland.
Qu, N. Z., Li, J., Kongmanee, J., & Chignell, M. (2024). Public opinion on types of voice systems for older adults. Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering, 11, 20556683241287414.