Co-designing Socially Assistive Robots for People with Dementia (Project ID SHSC0052)

Dementia is a complex neurological syndrome impacting over 944,000 people in the UK (Alzheimer’s Research UK, 2022). While pharmacological treatments aim to slow progression, rehabilitation and support delivered by allied health professionals, including occupational therapists, remain crucial to optimising outcomes and maintaining quality of life (WHO, 2023). Digital technologies, such as social robots, are increasingly considered as innovative solutions to enhance dementia care (Fraser et al., 2023), through supporting social interaction, daily activities, and therapeutic engagement (Papadopoulos et al., 2020).

However, the successful design and implementation of socially assistive robots (SARs) requires a multidisciplinary, user-centered approach that addresses the diverse needs and preferences of people with dementia, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals (Green et al., 2024). While initial research demonstrates the potential of SARs, there remains a lack of evidence on best practices for participatory design, factors influencing real-world acceptance and use, and ethical implementation. To ensure SARs are effective, acceptable, and aligned with the values and needs of people with dementia, participatory design approaches are essential (Merkel & Kucharski, 2019).

This PhD aims to address this gap by synthesising current evidence, consulting international stakeholders, and directly engaging people with dementia, caregivers, and clinicians to co-create guidelines for implementing SARs in real-world dementia care. The project could involve:

1.      A scoping (or other) review to map the current research on SAR design features, applications, impact for dementia care, or other

2.      A national or international survey of allied health professionals, assistive technology leads, robotics developers, people with dementia, and caregivers to gather data on current uses, features, implementation challenges, perceived risks and potential applications of SARs

3.      Primary research using creative or participatory methods

(Primary research will likely take place across years 2-3 of the PhD project, following completion of and depending on results of the literature review)

The project will include support from the National Robotarium and Alzheimer’s Scotland, leveraging expertise in cutting edge robotics, and dementia care. These partnerships will provide access to state-of-the-art facilities, knowledge, expertise, and key networks to ensure the research is grounded in real-world needs and delivers meaningful impact for people with dementia.

The candidate will gain skills in participatory design, social robotics and creative research methods. The project aims to generate evidence-based guidelines and academic outputs to drive the development of SARs that meaningfully enhance quality of life and care for people with dementia. Candidates will propose their own approach to achieving this aim.

We welcome applicants from allied health, psychology, social science, human-computer interaction and related fields. Applicants who are interested in part-time study are invited to apply.

Academic qualifications

A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in allied health, psychology, social science, human-computer interaction and related fields with a good fundamental knowledge of  dementia care and research methods.

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

·        Experience of fundamental qualitative and quantitative research methods

·        Competent in undertaking systematic review of the literature

·        Knowledge of and experience of asstive technology and working with people living with dementia

·        Good written and oral communication skills

·        Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project

·        Good time management

Desirable attributes:

Clinical or professional experience related to health/social care, assistive technologies and/or dementia

Experience with participatory research methods

TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK ON THE ‘INSTITUTION WEBSITE’ LINK ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE OF THIS PAGE.

When applying, please quote the application reference SHSC0052 on your form.

 APPLICATION CHECKLIST

·        Completed application form 

·        CV

·        2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (Found on the application process page)

·        A personal research statement (This should include (a) a brief description of your relevant experience and skills, (b) an indication of

·        What you would uniquely bring to the project and (c) a statement of how this project fits with your future direction.)

·        Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)