CAREER: Toward Effective Automated Robot Nudges to Promote Older Adult Health

NSF Award Search · 01002829DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $687,156 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

This project will design and test robotic nudging systems for older adult health. Nudging means gentle prodding toward some desired behavior. Human-centered design and working with performing artists will help this project to succeed. The design space of nudging is vast, but robots can immediately help in hydration support. (Future work could consider topics like supporting exercise, or even a healthy diet.) In the U.S., 55.8 million older adults could value this type of help. Computer-based reminder tools can support similar tasks, but their use does not last. Robots can help more because of their social appearance, unique interactions, and tirelessness. Yet, the study of robots in real-world environments over long time periods is rare. Thus, society has not yet benefitted from these promising robot nudges. New work is needed to harness unique robot strengths to support long-term nudging. This project has the potential to improve the quality of life for many through the use of robot nudges.   The project’s efforts will contribute to advances in health-related human-robot interaction (HRI). This benefit will come from robotic systems that can support healthy human behavior change in real-world and long-term use. The project has the following specific objectives. (1) The work will include human-centered design of robotic systems appropriate for end user needs. (2) The effort will design personalized and adaptive nudging that extends the lifetime of robot use. (3) The fi

Key facts

NSF award ID
2441795
Awardee
Oregon State University (OR)
SAM.gov UEI
MZ4DYXE1SL98
PI
Naomi T Fitter
Primary program
01002829DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, Cyber-Human Systems
Estimated total
$687,156
Funds obligated
$398,166
Transaction type
Continuing Grant
Period
06/15/2025 → 05/31/2030