Ethical, Legal, and Societal Dimensions of AI-Driven Social Robots in Elderly Healthcare

AI-driven social robots in elderly healthcare are one of the most important applications to increase the quality of life by promoting activities of daily living, exercises to improve memory and cognitive functioning. On the other hand, these new levels of innovation also raise troubling questions, including those related to ethics, legal compliance, and societal issues with a particular focus around privacy and data security. This paper discusses these dimensions from the point of view of human-robot interaction (HRI) augmented by AI. We review and analyze the literature, regulations, and standards to identify gaps where pragmatic improvements can be instituted, offering guidelines for a responsible ethical implementation of AI-driven social robots assisting the elderly. Additionally, the ethical implications of anthropomorphism, where robots are endowed with human-like traits, are examined, particularly in terms of their emotional impact on users. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape and identify areas for improvement, ensuring that the deployment of social robots in elderly care respects ethical standards and complies with regulatory requirements. By addressing these challenges, we can fulfil the positive potential of social robots in improving the quality of life for the elderly.