Socially Assistive Robotics

Socially assistive robotics (SAR) aims to address critical areas and gaps in care by automating supervision, coaching, motivation, and companion ship aspects of one-on-one interactions with individuals from various large and growing populations, including stroke survivors, the elderly and individuals with dementia, and children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This article examines the ethical challenges of SAR from three points of view (user, caregiver, and peer) using core principles from medical ethics (autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice) to determine how intended and unintended effects of SAR can impact the delivery of care.