Ethical use of AI-powered assistive robots to support people with dementia
Official title: Fostering Ethical Adoption of Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Assistive Robots (AIAR) Grounded in Person-Centered Dementia Care
Funded at University of New Hampshire · NIH-11194407 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will create ways to use AI-powered assistive robots to help people living with Alzheimer's dementia and their unpaid care partners while protecting dignity, privacy, and shared decision-making.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Hampshire NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $214,833 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB036448-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11194407 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are adults living with Alzheimer's dementia (community-dwelling) and their unpaid care partners who can share experiences and preferences about daily care and technology use.
✕Less likely to help
People without dementia, those in very advanced stages who cannot communicate preferences, or those uninterested in robot technology may not directly benefit from this project.
What this research studies
You and your care partner would be invited to share your experiences and preferences through interviews, focus groups, and co-design sessions to shape how AI-assisted robots are used in dementia care. The team will explore issues like privacy, consent, and how to keep your dignity and autonomy as abilities change. Researchers will work with technology developers and care providers to draft practical ethical guidance and tools for using robots safely at home. Results will be used to guide more respectful and useful robot support for daily life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make AI-powered robots safer and more respectful, improving day-to-day support and quality of life for people with dementia and their care partners.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with companion and assistive robots has shown promise for engagement and support, but ethical approaches tailored to people living with dementia remain relatively new and not yet widely tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Hampshire
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Jing — University of New Hampshire
- Study coordinator: Wang, Jing
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.