As the global population ages, how can we leverage cutting-edge technology to ensure our older adults not only live longer but live better?  This July, Lab members traveled to Amsterdam to answer this pressing question at the 23rd IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG 2026). 

Our team proudly presented three research papers, demonstrating how social robotics and human-robot interaction can provide tangible, real-world support for older adults in public spaces and at home.

Huang, C. Y., Lin, W., & Yueh, H.P. (2026, July 5-8). How librarians perceive social robot for assisting older adult readers in public libraries. Paper accepted for presentation at the 23rd IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG2026), Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Public libraries are essential community sanctuaries, but navigating them can sometimes be daunting for older patrons. In our session O13.25, Studies on applications of gerontechnology, which drew a packed audience and was also chaired by our team, we explored the integration of social robots into library environments from the perspective of librarians. We also heard from different professionals: registered nurses, institution managers, hospital representatives in partnership with tech companies, and special education teachers’ experiences with gerontechnological applications and phenomena. 

Yueh, H.P., Lin, W., & Huang, C.Y. (2026, July 5-8). Developing elderly patrons’ rapport with cognitive intelligent library robot. Poster Paper accepted for presentation at the 23rd IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG2026), Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Yueh, H.P. & Hsu, L.J. (2026, July 5-8). Social robot vs. stuffed animal as eating companion for elder adults: Social presence, social support and eating behavior. Poster Paper accepted for presentation at the 23rd IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG2026), Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The overwhelming engagement from the international community at IAGG 2026 confirms that our work at the intersection of social psychology, information science, and robotics is more vital than ever. We are incredibly proud of Ching-Yin Huang for her successful oral and poster presentations, which effectively communicated our research to the audience. We carry with us new global insights and energized enthusiasm to continue designing technology that truly cares.

研究室成員前往荷蘭阿姆斯特丹，參與第23屆國際老人學與老年醫學世界大會（IAGG 2026）。每四年舉行一次的這個會議聚集全球醫學、人文學、社會科學領域的頂尖學者、專業研究人員、科技從業人員，共同研討高齡社會重要議題。我們分享研究室在社會機器人與人機互動的三項研究成果，包含一件口頭發表論文與兩件海報論文，說明如何透過科技改善高齡者的生活品質。