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

> **NSF 01002829DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Oregon State University (OR) · $687,156

## 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 organization:** 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

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2441795

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2441795, CAREER: Toward Effective Automated Robot Nudges to Promote Older Adult Health. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2441795. Licensed CC0.

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