Exploring Intergenerational Interactions with Tiny Social Robots

Tiny Robots – Exploring Intergenerational Interactions with Tiny Social Robots

About

This project explores how tiny social robots, EMO and AIBI, can support intergenerational connections between older adults and university students. By engaging in conversations, games, and shared tasks with these robots, participants experienced new ways of connecting across generations. The study examined both the emotional value of robot companions and their practical potential in daily life, highlighting opportunities and challenges in using AI-driven tools to support social well-being.

Purpose

As Canada’s population ages, loneliness and social isolation pose significant risks to older adults’ health and well-being. At the same time, younger generations seek meaningful opportunities to connect with seniors. This project asks: How do tiny robots shape interactions between older and younger people? Can the reduce loneliness and spark joy? What risks and barriers might exist, and how can we design robots to be more inclusive and safer? With these questions, the study aims to advance knowledge on how social robots can serve as bridges between generations.

Project Goals

  • Explore older adults’ and students’ perceptions of EMO and AIBI.
  • Understand how robots influence intergenerational engagement and communication.
  • Identify facilitators and barriers to robot-mediated social connection.

Project Outcomes

  • Insights into the emotional, practical, and relational value of tiny social robots.
  • Recommendations for inclusive, co-designed approaches to robot development.
  • Research publications, knowledge translation resources, and strategies for integrating robots into aging services.

Principal Investigator: Lillian Hung

Team Members: Jiangning Fu (Postdoctoral Fellow); Veronica Moros (Undergraduate Student, Department of Biology); Pristine Vega (Undergraduate Student, School of Kinesiology); Peter Zhao (PhD student, School of Nursing); Kruti Raval (Undergraduate Student, School of Biomedical Engineering); Paulina Santaella (Sessional Instructor); David Shao (Undergraduate Student, Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences).