Introduction

We invite researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to contribute to this Special Thematic Session (STS), which aims to address the disparity between the capabilities of current assistive robotic technologies and the real-world needs of visually impaired users.

The session welcomes papers that investigate technological advancements in assistive robotics, such as smart canes, wearable navigation aids, robotic guide dogs, and social interaction robots, with a focus on their impact on quality of life, mobility, and social inclusion. We encourage contributions that incorporate multiple theoretical frameworks, including the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), Hedonic Motivation System Adoption Model (HMSAM), Diffusion of Innovations Theory, and Self-Determination Theory (SDT).

Additionally, we invite submissions that apply System Dynamics (SD) modeling or similar methodologies to holistically evaluate assistive technologies. We are particularly interested in research exploring the role of factors such as ease of use, perceived usefulness, playfulness, and anxiety in the adoption of these technologies. Furthermore, we welcome submissions investigating the impact of assistive technologies on various aspects of users’ lives, including their mobility, social integration, and overall well-being. Finally, we encourage research focused on developing strategies for aligning assistive technologies with the real-world needs of visually impaired users.

Through this session, we aim to generate valuable insights for developers, policymakers, and researchers, fostering broader adoption of assistive technologies and enhancing the independence and social participation of visually impaired individuals.

Invitation for contributions

In the Special Thematic Session on “Developing a Performance Evaluation Framework for Enhancing Quality of Life and Sustainable Mobility for Visually Impaired Consumers through Assistive Robotic Systems,” we invite contributions that address the gap between the current capabilities of assistive robotic technologies and the actual needs of visually impaired users. We are particularly interested in presentations that explore how these technologies can be better designed, implemented, and evaluated to enhance mobility, independence, social inclusion, and overall quality of life for visually impaired individuals.

Topics include, but are not limited to:

• User-Centered Design in Assistive Robotics: Investigating the importance of incorporating user feedback in developing assistive robotic systems that are tailored to meet the specific needs of visually impaired users.

• Impact of Assistive Robotics on Mobility and Independence: Examining how technologies like smart canes, robotic guide dogs, and wearable navigation aids influence the mobility, autonomy, and everyday independence of visually impaired individuals.

• Social Inclusion and Assistive Technologies: Exploring how assistive robotic systems facilitate social interaction, reduce isolation, and promote the integration of visually impaired individuals into the community.

• Evaluation Frameworks for Assistive Technologies: Proposing innovative evaluation methods for assessing the real-world effectiveness and long-term impact of assistive robotic systems on visually impaired users.

• Barriers to Adoption of Assistive Robotic Systems: Identifying challenges such as cost, accessibility, and usability that hinder the adoption of assistive robotic systems among visually impaired individuals.

• Ethical, Policy, and Societal Implications of Assistive Robotics: Discussing the ethical dilemmas, policy considerations, and societal impacts related to the development, implementation, and accessibility of assistive robotic technologies.

• Long-Term Effects of Assistive Robotics on Quality of Life: Investigating the sustainable impacts of assistive robotic systems on the long-term mobility, social inclusion, and overall well-being of visually impaired users.

• Artificial Intelligence in Assistive Robotics: Examining the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in enhancing the functionality, personalization, and adaptive capabilities of assistive robotic systems, such as improving navigation or providing individualized user experiences.

Chairs

Maria Christofi, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus, 2024euc3202@students.euc.ac.cy

Elena Tsappi, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus, e.tsappi@external.euc.ac.cy

George N. Papageorgiou, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus, G.Papageorgiou@euc.ac.cy