Value-Oriented Approach to Socially Assistive Robots Design for Young Adults’ Mental Health

Abstract

This thesis aims to explore the potential of Socially Assistive Robots (SARs) for mental health support of young adults with emotional complaints by initiating a value-oriented design process. In line with the AI4SG-VSD framework, this research provides an analysis of the context. This includes, first, framing the societal challenge related to young adults’ mental health, related tools and practices, and considerations on SARs; second, by discussing perspectives and needs of selected groups of stakeholders, psychology and Human-Robot Interaction professionals, obtained through qualitative interviews; it further presents a conceptual investigation of selected values relevant to the field, such as autonomy and legitimacy. The insights gathered through the context analysis and value investigation are used to identify potential applications and design recommendations, with the goal of providing direction for further research. The potential applications identified include therapy support, positioning SARs as an entry point to mental health services, and prevention. Recommendations for design and design practices include interdisciplinary and intercultural collaboration, and a focus on the integration of technology in current practices. Future research recommendations include the investigation of the design for the applications identified and the exploration of SARs personalisation strategies.