Factors relevant to the acceptance of socially assistive robots in the general population : a narrative review (WP1.2)Hvalič Touzery, Simona (Avtor) Šetinc, Mojca (Avtor) general populationacceptancebehavioural intentionsocially assistive robotsIntroduction: Socially assistive robots (SARs) are increasingly considered for practical, social and care-related roles, particularly in older-adult care. Their successful introduction depends not only on their technical capabilities but also on whether prospective users and the wider public perceive their functions and social roles as useful, appropriate and acceptable. However, comparison across studies is complicated by differences in the types of robots examined, participants’ exposure to robots, and the way acceptance is measured. In addition, conventional acceptance measures may not fully capture broader public views on which robot roles and functions are considered acceptable. Aim: This study aimed to synthesize current evidence on factors associated with the acceptance of socially assistive robots (SARs) among the general population. In addition, it examined studies using the Users’ Needs, Requirements and Abilities Questionnaire (UNRAQ), an instrument developed to assess public and stakeholder expectations regarding the roles, functions and conditions of use of social robots in older-adult care. The narrative review was used. Results: Perceived usefulness and task relevance emerged as the most consistent acceptance-related factors. Robots were generally evaluated more positively when they provided a clear practical benefit and were presented as assistants or useful devices rather than companions. Enjoyment, anticipated emotions, social influence and self-efficacy also supported acceptance, whereas privacy concerns and robot-related anxiety showed negative but less consistent associations. Individual characteristics and robot design features mainly produced context-dependent effects. Studies using the UNRAQ similarly demonstrated stronger support for assistive and safety-related functions than for companionship functions. Direct interaction improved short-term evaluations of both assistive and social roles, while older adults and caregivers sometimes expressed different expectations. Discussion and conclusion: SAR acceptance appears to be a multidimensional and context-dependent evaluation of the fit between robot functions, perceived benefits, social roles and users’ expectations. The UNRAQ provides a useful complement to conventional acceptance measures because it captures broader public and stakeholder views concerning the introduction of SARs into older-adult care. However, it does not directly measure personal intention to adopt a robot. The evidence predominantly concerns anticipated acceptance or reactions following brief exposure rather than sustained use. Future general-population research should therefore distinguish between the perceived acceptability of SARs in care and respondents’ personal intention to use them.20262026-08-17 14:13:01Neznano185675sl