Exploring technology-enhanced NATure-based and Animal-assisted Intervention Strategies (NATAIS): Acceptance of Pet Robots for Long-Term Care

NATure-based and Animal-assisted Intervention Strategies (NATAIS) have shown positive effects in long-term care (LTC), yet their practical implementation remains limited. This is especially true for people with restricted mobility, limited access to natural environments, or situations in which contact with live animals is not feasible. The NATAIS research agenda calls for innovative approaches to make these strategies more accessible to vulnerable populations.
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and robotics, offer promising tools to translate NATAIS principles into feasible and scalable interventions. This project investigates the conditions and characteristics that influence the acceptance of high-tech solutions in LTC settings.
We present the protocol of a randomized online study exploring how people perceive real pets or pet robots situated in virtual care environments, both with and without enriched natural elements (e.g., indoor gardens, forest sounds, or projected nature scenes). Participants are shown images and/or short videos of pets and robotic pets in LTC settings and asked to evaluate them in terms of acceptability, emotional response, and potential effects (usefulness).
This study contributes to the development of ethically responsible and user-centered technological applications inspired by NATAIS. By examining the interaction between robot design and nature-enhanced environments, we aim to identify ways to simulate the benefits of nature and animal interaction in care settings where access to the “real” nature and animals is limited.
Ultimately, this research aligns with the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnected well-being of humans, animals, and nature—also in digitally mediated forms of care.