Research Outline

　In our department, we are conducting research on nursing outcomes management, and nursing as caring theory for knowing the patient and family using multivariate, quantitative analysis and qualitative research methods.

　Specifically, we conduct studies dedicated to the "clarification of characteristics of autonomic nervous activity of older adults with dementia", "analysis of characteristics of healthy older adults living in the community," and through the mixed-method research process, the considering of "support methods for older adults". In the past 16 years since 2004, we have conducted and collaborated with other researchers in nursing and other disciplines to continue studies on robots for supporting older adult care. Collaborating with engineering researchers and rehabilitation researchers to form an interdisciplinary team resulted in the quite essential book on "NURSING ROBOTS " published from the disciplinary perspective of nursing.

　In 2017, Dr. Tanioka developed the "Transactive Relationship Theory of Nursing (TRETON) : A Nursing Engagement Model for Persons and Humanoid Nursing Robots." As an essential contribution to Japanese health and welfare care addressing Japan’s social problems with the declining birth rate and aging population, we are concentrating on particular issues on ways to improve quality of health through Caring in Nursing. Older adults who are mentally ill are provided with the quality healthcare that is informed by the knowledge of transactive relationships between and among human beings, humanoid robots and healthcare providers.

　Following research studies were funded by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research <KAKENHI>: "Humanoid robots for nursing-use (Yrs. 2003–2006 , 2010-2015 )", "Required functions for nursing robots (Yrs. 2012-2017 , 2017-2022 )", "Ethical and legal issues when using robots (Yrs. 2019-2023 )", and "Technological Competency as Caring in Nursing (2017-2020 ) ".

　From 2017 to present, our research team/group have been conducting research trials in clinical settings using "Kenko Okoku for Pepper (XING INC, 2016)," and collaborating with XING INC (Japan) in order to support older adult care and rehabilitation. These research studies focus on the development of nursing caring methods and rehabilitation processes for older adults cooperate with humanoid dialogue robots.

Fig.【Health care robots, humanoid nurse robots and its future development】

Source：Tanioka, T., Osaka, K., Locsin, R., Yasuhara, Y. Ito, H. (2017) Recommended Design and Direction of Development for Humanoid Nursing Robots Perspective from Nursing Researchers. Intelligent Control and Automation, 8, 96-110. doi: 10.4236/ica.2017.82008.

(Joint R&D partners: Kagawa University, Kochi University, Tokushima Bunri University, Fujita Medical University, Tokai University, Florida Atlantic University, XING INC etc.)