Humanoid Robots in Healthcare: Lessons Learned from an Innovation Project

This paper presents lessons learned from an ongoing innovation project exploring the integration of a humanoid robot at a rehabilitation hospital in Norway. By combining human factors and human-robot interaction approaches, we suggest a framework to identify key concepts and methods to evaluate the healthcare staff and patients’ perceptions of the robot. Findings from initial studies on the topic are presented, based upon semi-structured interviews with stakeholders; a survey identifying specific challenges in today’s activities at the hospital; and a meeting and a workshop with key stakeholders to identify concrete scenarios and tasks where the humanoid robot could support staff. We wrap up by assessing the usefulness of the framework and discussing key challenges and opportunities for humanoid robots within healthcare, as identified in the current experiences in the project.