Examining the Utility of a Floor-cleaning Robot in Welfare Facilities

—A Proof-of-Concept Study with Braava Jet m6 at a Geriatric Care Facility—

Abstract

It has been argued that the use of robots in non-personal care can help reduce workload in welfare facilities. In this study, we conducted a proof-of-concept study to examine the utility of a floor-cleaning robot, on which there are few previous studies. We also carried out a questionnaire survey of staff who observed the robot in operation. The results of these mixed-method analyses revealed that the robot is not practical in its current state. The study suggests, however, that the robot has potential if its performance can be improved and the environment can be set up appropriately.