NAVIGATING INNOVATION RESEARCH: PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FOR EARLY-CAREER SCHOLARS - No. 405 - conference abstract

Sep 29, 2026

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Presentation explores how AI-enabled social robots can be integrated into long-term care (LTC) for older adults, outlining both benefits and implementation risks. It draws on research using Aether, Paro, and Lovot to discuss improved engagement, cognitive stimulation, companionship, and reduced loneliness, while also addressing caregiver burden through repetitive-task support and therapeutic interaction. Ethical concerns include equitable access, avoiding replacement of essential human care, and preserving dignity and autonomy. Practical adoption requires staff training, infrastructure adjustments, cost planning, and resident/provider acceptance. Strategies are offered for conducting responsible innovation research, including diversified funding, pilot study grants, networking, and publishing in academic and practitioner venues.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Key Opportunities for AI in Long-Term Care

Well-being, engagement, and companionship

Ethical and Practical Implementation Challenges

Equity, human-care substitution risks, dignity and autonomy

Training, infrastructure, cost, and acceptance

Strategies for Early-Career Innovation Research

Funding and pilot grants

Networking and publishing

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 405 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.1379 NAVIGATING INNOVATION RESEARCH: PRACTICAL STRATEGIES FOR EARLY-CAREER SCHOLARS Lillian Hung, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Integrating new technologies into long-term care (LTC) presents exciting opportunities and significant challenges. As the aging population grows, there is increasing interest in how artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled robots can support residents’well-being and improve care delivery. Drawing on my research with AI-powered social robots such as Aether, Paro, and Lovot, this presentation examines the practical considerations of adopting these innovations in LTC. Robotic technologies offer many benefits, including enhanced engagement, cognitive stimulation, companionship, and reduced loneliness. These tools may also help alleviate caregiver burden by assisting with repetitive tasks or providing entertainment and therapeutic interactions. However, implementation presents challenges. Ethical concerns—such as ensuring equitable access, avoiding substitution of essential human care, and preserving dignity and autonomy—must be carefully navigated. Practical barriers, including staff training, infrastructure adjustments, cost, and acceptance by residents and care providers, also affect successful adoption. This presentation highlights key lessons learned and offers strategies for conducting successful innovation research. Early-career scholars should seek diverse funding sources, secure pilot study grants, and align projects with practice needs. Networking within aging, technology, and healthcare communities fosters mentorship, partnerships, and knowledge exchange. Publishing in both academic and practitioner-oriented outlets bridges research and real-world application. By ensuring responsible implementation, AI-enabled robots can be used ethically and effectively to support resident well-being, promote person-centered care, and complement rather than replace human interactions in LTC settings.

FAQs

What benefits do AI-enabled social robots offer in long-term care settings?

Robotic technologies can enhance engagement, provide cognitive stimulation, offer companionship, and reduce loneliness. They may also help ease caregiver burden by supporting repetitive tasks or enabling entertainment and therapeutic interactions.

Which ethical issues must be addressed when implementing these innovations in LTC?

The presentation emphasizes equitable access, avoiding substitution of essential human care, and preserving residents’ dignity and autonomy. These concerns must be navigated carefully to ensure responsible use.

What practical barriers affect successful adoption of AI-enabled robots, and how can they be managed?

Staff training, infrastructure adjustments, cost, and acceptance by residents and care providers influence outcomes. Successful adoption depends on addressing these items during implementation planning.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by dhado