This University of British Columbia Master of Occupational Therapy project will be done under the supervision of faculty members from UBC and British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). We are conducting this research as part of our Occupational Therapy Master’s degree. Our research is trying to better understand the perspectives of wheelchair users on the usability, acceptability, and potential benefits of a robotic dog for physical assistance, mobility, and companionship. Primarily, to look at how wheelchair users perceive robot dogs, how they would use them, and for what functions. The overall aim of this project will guide the developmental design of BCIT’s robot dog.
Why should you participate?
This is a unique opportunity to create discussion and share your perspectives around robotic dogs for wheelchair users. Participants will not directly benefit themselves from participating in this research but are contributing to research regarding the potentials of robot dogs as an assistive device. There are no major risks, harms or disadvantages of participating, and participants will be given an honorarium for their participation in this study..
You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:
- Are a wheelchair user
- 19 years of age or older
- Are able to communicate effectively in English
You may not be eligible to participate if you:
- Have no permanent address (as participation may require stable housing to support study activities)
- Are living in carceral or correctional settings (due to research access limitations)
- Have a psychiatric condition where participation may not be safe, as determined by the research team
Time commitment: In-person or online interview will take approximately 60 minutes; in person or online focus groups will take approximately 120 minutes.
Compensation for participation: Participants will be given an honorarium for their participation: $25 for online or in-person interviews, $50 for online focus groups, and $75 for in-person focus groups due to the increased time commitment and travel expenses required to attend in-person focus groups.
This study will take place at: If you decide to participate in a in-person interview (60 minutes) or focus group (120 minutes), you will be asked to complete this visit at one of the following locations: Blusson Spinal Cord Center at VGH, UBC’s Point Grey Campus, or GF Strong Rehabilitation Center. If you decide to participate in virtual session, this will be done remotely.
For more information or to sign up to participate, please contact study coordinator Michelle Li by email.
