**2. Shepherd: concept and design of a human–robot-interaction project for geriatric care**

The overall objective of the project is the user-centric, iterative development, production and testing of a mobile robotic quadruped to promote and maintain mobility and self-care capability for outpatients of care grade 1 and 2. The system has three modes of support for care grade 1 and 2 patients: autonomous, partial autonomous and hand-guided operation (see **Figure 1**).

The autonomous operation enables the system to automatically navigate under obstacle avoidance indoors and outdoors, whereby unevenness and barriers can also be overcome automatically due to the robotic quadruped design. In semi-autonomous operation, the system can be used as a following system for following the user, e.g., when carrying goods such as groceries or as a navigator system in which

#### **Figure 1.**

*Use cases for the use of the robotic quadruped for ambulatory care. Assistance in mobility and self-sufficiency of patients in need of care.*

### *Living and Interacting with Robots: Engaging Users in the Development of a Mobile Robot DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.90112*

the system runs ahead as a navigator. In hand-held operation, the system serves as an additional support for the user. The project pursues a user-centered, participatory and iterative research approach for the development of the robotic system (see **Figure 2**). The active involvement of patients in need of care and outpatient nursing staff in the development process ensures that technical development is demand-oriented and that user acceptance of the robotic system is increased as far as possible. This enables a successful interaction between the patient and the robotic system.

The various assistance functions of the robotic system and the demonstrators to be developed will be subjected to feasibility and effectiveness studies in field trials. Through the accompanying participatory recording of user acceptance and experience, promoting factors for the use of robotic systems are empirically collected, evaluated and translated into recommendations for action using the example of the robotic quadruped. The empirical survey is based on a technographic mixed method approach, which combines quantitative with qualitative methods. Various scientific methods, such as surveys, interviews and observations, are used to provide a dense description of human–machine interaction. In the sense of a common understanding of "good care," this includes a holistic view of the human, organizational and technical levels with the aim of maintaining the health, well-being and quality of life of those in need of care [4]. The project thus aims at needs-based care and provision, strengthening the well-being of those in need of long-term care and maintaining an independent way of life in the long term. This way, the project contributes to quality care and support in the domestic and familiar living environment of those in need of care.

#### **Figure 2.**

*Project plan of a user-centered, participatory and iterative research approach for the development of the robotic system.*
