Robotic Navigation for Aging in Assisted Living Communities

Academic Mentor | Katherine Driggs-Campbell
Community Partner | ClarkLindsey Life Plan Community

Project Description
Visual and mobility impairments often increase with age, affecting independence, quality of life, and the level of support required from caregivers. Navigating large or unfamiliar environments such as hospitals or assisted living communities can be especially challenging for older adults with vision or mobility impairments. Recent advances in robotics offer new opportunities to support safe, accessible navigation in these settings.

This project investigates how assistive robots can better support navigation for older adults with visual and mobility impairments. In partnership with ClarkLindsey Life Plan Community, the research will examine user needs and evaluate robotic systems designed to communicate spatial information through haptic and verbal feedback. The project will use the Stretch robot, a mobile manipulator, along with a custom haptic handle to explore different ways robots can guide users through space.

Through a longitudinal co-design study conducted during Summer 2026, the project will iteratively develop and evaluate assistive technologies with residents at ClarkLindsey. The research will also explore embodiment and form-factor considerations to inform the design of a robotic walker aimed at improving safety and ease of use for individuals with mobility impairments. Findings will contribute to the development of accessible robotic technologies that better support aging in everyday environments.

Role of the Community-Academic Scholar:
The Community-Academic Scholar will support multiple stages of this assistive robotics research project. The scholar will assist with participant recruitment, preparation of study protocols and interview questions, and organization of consent and pre-screening materials. The role includes direct engagement with study participants during data collection and support for operating and monitoring the robotic technologies used in the study.

The scholar will also contribute to data analysis, identification of technology improvements, and dissemination of research findings. Additional responsibilities include supporting literature reviews and background research related to aging, accessibility, and assistive robotics.

Depending on the scholar’s interests and skills, there may be opportunities to learn how to interface with the robotic platform and contribute to design improvements. Through this work, the scholar will gain hands-on experience in community-engaged research, human-centered design, and emerging assistive technologies.