Mapping the Evolution Human-Centered Care Robotics: A Bibliometric and Thematic Analysis of Socially Assistive Robotics Research

초록

The rapid aging of populations and increasing demand for long-term care have accelerated the development of care robotics. Despite substantial growth in the field, its intellectual structure and thematic evolution remain poorly understood. This study aimed to systematically map the development of care robotics research through a bibliometric analysis. A total of 3,062 publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection between 1993 and January 23, 2026, were analyzed using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. We examined publication trends, country productivity, publication sources, keyword co-occurrence networks, and thematic structures. The results revealed a significant increase in research activity, with an annual growth rate of 9.33%. The United States was the leading contributor, followed by China, Italy, and Japan. Keyword analyses identified social robots, older adults, human–robot interaction, dementia, and socially assistive robots as the dominant research topics. Co-occurrence analysis demonstrated strong connections between the technological, healthcare, and psychosocial dimensions of care robotics. Thematic mapping identified people, speech, and care as motor themes, whereas technology, socially assistive robots, and acceptance emerged as foundational themes. Social robots, older adults, and human–robot interactions appeared as evolving themes, indicating increasing specialization within the field. These findings suggest that care robotics research has evolved from a technology-driven field to a more human-centered and application-oriented discipline. This study provides insights for future research, technology development, and implementation strategies in healthcare and aging societies.

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