The project team also conducted focus groups and interviews with 24 stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and housing experts, to ensure the representation of practical and diverse needs. Then, at the dissemination event, 22 experts discussed and refined details through interactive workshops in a Delphi-type, iterative engagement. From this work, they engaged in a co-creative process which supported the development of a three tier framework that provides architects, allied healthcare professionals and people involved in robot R&D with the insights needed to a) design or modify suitable spaces for robot cohabitation b) allied health professionals to reflect and consider on the needs and requirements for such technologies in relation to their target population and specific needs as well as spatial constraints and c) professionals in the robotic industry to reflect on aspects influencing the design of robots and its potential for adoption in relation to people-robot cohabitation in relation to frailty but also vulnerability in general.

Further dissemination, and iterative feedback from stakeholders may lead to further refinement of the first edition of the framework. It can create robots that truly improve lives by adapting to the realities of home environments. The new ISO on multigenerational living is currently being drafted. Based on initial discussions, there is a potential opportunity to extend the work of the framework towards real-world impact

Focus groups and interviews: positive outlook towards the integration of Socially Assistive Robots (SARs) in sheltered housing. Participants viewed SARS as complementary tools to human care. 

Personalisation: key to ensuring SARs meet the diverse needs of residents, with many expressing the potential for SARs to offer companionship and promote independence among vulnerable individuals. Participants saw SARs as a viable alternative to existing monitoring systems.

Crucial challenges highlighted: Concerns about technology literacy were prevalent. Educational initiatives and hands-on demonstrations were suggested. Privacy concerns and cost of the devices as significant barriers to implementation. 

We deployed a rapid 3D scanning technique to create photo-realistic models of indoor space, giving stakeholders the ability to scrutinise spaces visually, remotely and in bulk.

We automated the production of architectural drawings (3-dimensional) and assist in large scale reproduction of potentially accurate plans (including most furniture). 

To test robot interactions across various environments, we transitioned the CAD-like models into a simulation space using Gazebo. We introduced an interactive robot and conducted simulations of its behaviour in different areas. Key insights:

● highlighted the robot's ability—or inability—to navigate certain spaces effectively.

● identified limitations within the simulation process itself.

Findings underscore areas for improvement in robot's capabilities and simulation setup

Project deliverables and outputs:

a) Cohabitation Framework 

b) Grant submission 

c) Conference submissions 

d) Peer-reviewed journal submission

e) Local NHS Newsletter  

f) Dissemination Event