Robots, AI, and Cognitive Training in an Era of Mass Age-Related Cognitive Decline: A Systematic Review

Developing countries world-wide are witnessing historical growth in their elderly populations, and with it, importantly, a steady rise in the number of people experiencing age-related cognitive decline. This reality has the potential to produce an unprecedented strain on affected families, healthcare systems and taxpayers in the very near future. This study: a) examines the present limits and predicted capacity of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as they relate to the various and complex needs of those hoping to optimize the positive benefits of cognitive training, and b) systematically reviews the efficacy of Human Robot Interaction (HRI) as an intervention strategy for elderly individuals confronting cognitive challenges along the spectrum from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to Advanced Cognitive Impairment (ACI). The results of this systematic review suggest that, overall, the utilization of humanoid and pet robots, such as NAO and PARO, respectively, produce improvements in cognition and markers of social and emotional health and engagement; however, when embedded with AI with the capacity for Deep Learning the potential of robotic technology to aggressively meet the needs of individuals experiencing age-related cognitive decline will be significant.