Usability Comparison of Bathing Care Robots and Devices for Caregivers

This study aimed to compare and evaluate the usability of three types of bathing assistive robots and devices from the perspective of caregivers. Thirty caregivers participated and assessed the devices using the Korean version of the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (K-QUEST 2.0) and the System Usability Scale (SUS). Usability was evaluated using a five-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS 28.0, with the Shapiro - Wilk test for normality followed by the Kruskal - Wallis test. Significant differences were found in adjustment, durability, ease of use, and system usability. Specifically, Etude showed higher adjustability (4.00 ± 0.66, M±SD) and durability (4.40 ± 0.51) than Silvermate v. 1.5 (2.40 ± 1.17 and 2.70 ± 1.16, respectively). In addition, Hot Bath Shower Bench HP demonstrated a higher ease of use (4.60 ± 0.51) and system usability (81.00 ± 11.13) compared to Silvermate v. 1.5 (3.20 ± 1.22 and 54.75 ± 18.46). Based on these evaluations by caregivers, this study identified key functional directions for improving bathing assistive robots. The findings provide fundamental insights for developing user-centered designs for future bathing robots to reduce caregiver burden and enhance usability in real care environments.