Axel: a companion robot to counter the social isolation of older adults

Project Description

The Master's project (or doctorate or post-doctorate) is part of an innovative research project to develop the T-Top social assistance robot and, more specifically, its ability to converse and promote social participation among older adults living in CHSLDs. More specifically, the clinical component of the project aims to: O1) identify the needs, facilitators and barriers to T-Top interactions of older adults living in CHSLDs; O2) document the specific uses of T-Top and the reactions of older adults; O3) explore the experience of older adults during interactions with T-Top.

Through an exploratory qualitative study, this project will contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge on the role of robotics with older adults and, more specifically, in CHSLDs. Developing T-Top's ability to converse will ultimately enable older adults to live longer in good health, promote their well-being and better meet their social participation needs.

Under the supervision of Pre Mélanie Levasseur and the research team, the student will play an active role in data collection and analysis, and in disseminating results to stakeholders, knowledge users and members of the scientific community. 

The Master's project will be carried out at the Research Centre on Aging (CdRV) of the CIUSSS de l'Estrie-CHUS, one of the most important specialized centers on aging in Canada, and home to some fifty nationally and internationally recognized researchers in several disciplines. This renowned and well-established environment offers a dynamic setting, conducive to professional growth and the emergence of interdisciplinary research collaborations.

Special requirement: Apply for CdRV, FRQ and CIHR research grants

The last update was on 23 November 2023. The University reserves the right to modify its projects without notice.