The future of aging and brain health research is being shaped by the intersection of technology, compassion and human connection. Through the Emotional Robotics Living Lab (ERLL), researchers at The University of Texas at Arlington are exploring how social robotics can support well-being across the lifespan, including for individuals living with dementia.
Led by a commitment to person-centered care, ERLL focuses on using innovative technologies to support emotional well-being, social connection and meaningful engagement. The lab’s research explores how socially assistive robots can complement human care by encouraging conversation, movement, creativity and connection.
“Social robotics research is central to ERLL’s mission to advance innovative, person-centered approaches to health and wellness across the life span,” said Dr. Noelle Fields, associate professor at the UTA School of Social Work. “Socially assistive robots are designed not to replace human care but to complement it by facilitating activities that encourage conversation, movement, and social engagement.”
A resident of the Brookdale Senior Living interacts with a social robot from the UTA School of Social Work Emotional Robotics Living Lab (ERLL) Showcase. (Courtesy Photo)
Those ideas came to life during the recent ERLL Robotics Showcase, which brought together researchers from ERLL, the University of Texas at Arlington Research Institute (UTARI), and Brookdale Senior Living. Supported through funding from the Brookdale Senior Living Foundation, the event demonstrated how social robots can be integrated with evidence-based, arts-centered activities to support psychosocial well-being among older adults.
Hosting the showcase within a senior living community created an opportunity for residents, families and staff to experience the technology firsthand in a meaningful, familiar environment. Rather than simply viewing a demonstration, attendees interacted with the robots through storytelling, dance and movement.
The showcase highlighted the potential of social robotics to enhance engagement and connection among older adults, including those living with memory loss.
“This work reflects a broader mission to use innovative technologies to support person-centered dementia care and promote emotional well-being in senior living communities,” said Dr. Ling Xu, and associate professor at the UTA School of Social Work.
The project represents a unique collaboration between social work, robotics and aging research. Through the partnership, social work researchers and community providers are working together to explore new approaches to dementia care that are grounded in real-world needs.
By combining expertise from ERLL and UTARI, researchers are examining how socially assistive robots can support communication, engagement and quality of life for people living with dementia.
“What makes this collaboration unique is its real-world application,” said Dr. Xu. “Social work researchers, engineers, and Brookdale Senior Living partners are coming together to reimagine the future of care through innovative, technology-enhanced programs for the residents and families that they serve.”
Members of the UTA School of Social Work Emotional Robotics Living Lab (ERLL), the UTA Research Institute (UTARI) and Brookdale Senior Living Foundation pose for a photo at an ERLL robotics showcase. (Courtesy Photo)
Throughout the Robotics Showcase, families and community partners created moments of connection through interactive experiences with robots. Attendees engaged with NAO and Pepper, two of the UTA School of Social Works socially assistive robots, by asking questions and participating in activities that encouraged conversation and participation.
Some of the most memorable moments came through movement and shared experiences, as attendees danced and interacted with the robots in ways that brought energy and joy to the room. Robotic companions, including a robotic dog and cat, also created opportunities for residents to engage through touch, conversation and connection.
The enthusiasm from attendees reflected the impact of bringing emerging technology into a community setting.
“Watching the interactions was absolutely magical. The team from UTA was compassionate and passionate about what they were doing with our residents and families,” said Peter Seemann of the Brookdale Senior Living Foundation.
For ERLL researchers, the showcase was an opportunity to imagine what the future of aging care can look like when innovation is guided by compassion and human connection.
“We hope that Brookdale residents, families and staff members left the Robotics Showcase with a sense of possibility, seeing how emerging technologies offer promise in enhancing dignity, connection, and quality of life for persons living with dementia,” Dr. Fields said.
Events like the Robotics Showcase help move aging and brain health research forward by connecting researchers, care providers, residents and community partners. These collaborations ensure that advances in social robotics remain practical, accessible and focused on the needs of the people they are designed to support.
Through the work of ERLL, UTA researchers are helping shape a future where technology and human-centered care work together to create more meaningful experiences for older adults and their families.