Co-Designing the Future of Aging: Human-Centered Robotics and AI for Rehabilitation and Independence
D. Beckwée (Convener) & W. A. Rogers & T. L. Mitzner. & A. Mihailidis. & E. Swinnen.
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AbstractISSUE Technological innovation in aging and rehabilitation increasingly relies on human-centered design to ensure robots and AI systems align with the real needs, abilities, and preferences of older adults and their caregivers. Despite rapid progress in assistive technologies, many solutions remain poorly integrated into daily life or clinical routines. This symposium brings together interdisciplinary research exploring how participatory design, human-centered AI, and person-focused robotics can enhance independence, engagement, and wellbeing in older adults and vulnerable populations. CONTENT Rogers will introduce a comprehensive framework for human–robot interaction (HRI) grounded in universal design, illustrating how user-centered principles can guide the development of robots that support diverse older adults with different abilities and preferences. Beckwée will discuss a co-design study exploring how older adults and physiotherapists envision next-generation assistive lower-limb exoskeletons, emphasizing usability, comfort, and fatigue management for home-based mobility support. Mihailidis will present a human-centered AI approach to transforming digital reminder systems into adaptive, caregiver-support tools that enhance safety and autonomy for people living with dementia while preserving caregiver oversight. Swinnen will describe the iterative, user-centered development of Ghostly, an electromyography-driven exergame combining clinical and motivational design principles to promote safe strength training in frail or hospitalized older adults. CONCLUSIONS / ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES The symposium will highlight that technology for aging well must be human-centered, participatory, and ethically grounded. Presentations will collectively demonstrate how integrating user insights throughout design and implementation leads to more acceptable, effective, and sustainable assistive technologies. Outcomes include design frameworks, practical evaluation tools, and interdisciplinary strategies for translating AI and robotics into meaningful, real-world support systems for aging and rehabilitation.Keywords: Human-centered design; robotics; AI in aging; rehabilitation technology; assistive innovation
D. Beckwée (Convener) & W. A. Rogers & T. L. Mitzner. & A. Mihailidis. & E. Swinnen. (2026). Co-Designing the Future of Aging: Human-Centered Robotics and AI for Rehabilitation and Independence . Gerontechnology, 25(s),1-1
https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2026.25.2.1377.3