Assistant Professor of Nursing Jing Wang has been awarded an R21 research grant from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to explore how artificial intelligence-assisted robot technology can improve the lives of people living with dementia and those of their care partners.
R21 grants are highly competitive and fund early-stage, exploratory, or innovative research projects that are considered high-risk, high-reward because of their potential to lead to significant breakthroughs in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research.
Wang’s two-year, $394,282 grant will allow her team to research how robots can be ethically integrated into dementia care. She will focus on balancing cutting-edge technology with a person-centered approach that prioritizes the values and rights of people with dementia.
“Receiving this grant is an incredible opportunity to address a vital gap in dementia care. While AI technology has immense potential, it is essential that its adoption remains grounded in ethical principles. This funding allows us to move forward in exploring how AIAR can be implemented in a truly person-centered way,” Wang says.
The research will focus on:
Understanding experiences with AI technology in dementia care – Researchers will gather insights from people with dementia, their caregivers, and technology developers to identify what works and what doesn't when using AI-assisted robot technology in everyday care.
Creating a better way to use robot technology in dementia care – Through collaborations with community partners and experts, the research team will design a new approach that respects the dignity and autonomy of people with dementia, ensuring they remain involved in decisions about their care.
Dementia affects one in three older adults in the U.S. and places a burden on both healthcare systems and the unpaid caregivers who support their loved ones.
Wang believes AI-assisted robot technology has the potential to allow people with dementia to live safely at home while reducing some of the pressures on caregivers.
“Ethically integrating AI technology into dementia care means respecting the autonomy and dignity of those living with the condition. If implemented thoughtfully, AI-assisted robots can transform care, offering meaningful support to both individuals and their caregivers,” Wang says.
