Wearable social robots for the disabled and impaired

Abstract

Wearable social robots can be found on a chain around the neck, on clothing, or in a shirt or jacket pocket. Due to their constant availability and responsiveness, they can support the disabled and impaired in a variety of ways and improve their lives. This article first identifies and summarizes robotic and artificial intelligence functions of wearable social robots. It then derives and categorizes areas of application. Following this, the opportunities and risks, such as those relating to privacy and intimacy, are highlighted. Overall, it emerges that wearable social robots can be useful for this group, for example, by providing care and information anywhere and at any time. However, significant improvements are still needed to overcome existing shortcomings.