# An Integrated Analysis of Factors Influencing Acceptance of Care Robots Among Older Korean Adults

## TL;DR

This study explores what influences older Korean adults to accept care robots, finding that psychological factors like confidence in using technology are more important than age or health.

## Contribution

The study identifies technology-related psychological factors as the strongest predictors of care robot acceptance in older adults.

## Key findings

- Technology use self-efficacy and enthusiasm are the strongest predictors of care robot acceptance.
- Demographic and health factors lose significance when psychological variables are considered.
- Instrumental activities of daily living remain a significant predictor in the final model.

## Abstract

Background: As populations rapidly age, care robots have been proposed as a promising solution, supporting independent living and alleviating care burdens. However, acceptance of care robots among older adults remains limited. This study examined the relative contributions of demographic, health-related, digital competence, and technology-related psychological factors to care robot acceptance among older adults in South Korea. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 506 community-dwelling older adults. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to identify predictors of care robot acceptance, sequentially entering demographic characteristics, health-related factors, digital competence, and technology-related psychological variables. Results: Demographic and health-related factors were initially associated with care robot acceptance, but their effects diminished after accounting for digital competence and psychological variables. In the final model, technology-related psychological factors—particularly technology use self-efficacy and technology enthusiasm—were the strongest predictors of acceptance, while most demographic and health variables became non-significant, with the exception of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Conclusions: These findings indicate that psychological readiness and confidence in technology use outweigh demographic or health characteristics in shaping older adults’ acceptance of care robots. Interventions and design strategies that enhance self-efficacy, foster positive engagement, and support functional independence may be critical for promoting the effective and sustainable adoption of care robots in aging societies.