A robot in the living room: Domesticating a robotic personal trainer in very old age

The domestication theory explains how individuals integrate new technologies into their daily lives. This in-depth qualitative case study explores domestication in older age based on interviews conducted over three months with nine individuals aged 85-97, who received a socially assistive robot designed to support physical and cognitive activity. Data analysis followed the four stages of domestication: appropriation, objectification, integration, and conversion. Findings showed that appropriation involved motivations ranging from curiosity to practical goals. In the objectification stage, most participants primarily regarded the robot as a functional tool. Integration varied: Some embedded the robot into daily routines, while others used it sporadically. Yet, across usage patterns, the robot reinforced participants’ self-image as active, healthy, and adventurous. Conversion revealed differences in social sharing: Some involved family and peers, whereas others remained neutral or detached. The findings indicate that older adults’ domestication of a socially assistive robot reflects both common trajectories and significant individual differences. Still, even when the technology is primarily functional, its domestication may yield a variety of emotional and social benefits.