Table 1.

Current and potential outcomes of social robots in AL, with ethical concerns acknowledged.

	Emotional loneliness				Social loneliness		Main robot type -specific ethical concerns
	Relational functions				Relational functions
	Opportunities for nurturance	Reassurance of worth	Sense of reliable alliance	Guidance in stressful situations	Attachment	Social integration
Direct social robots	+ are “something to love”	+ address residents with respect	+ obey residents’ instructions	+ may act as calming instructors	+ provide company and activities	(+) may be companions	Deception when the line between humans and robots is blurred
	+ encourage human interaction	(+) remember residents’ individual details	(+) may be companions	(+) may be companions	+ provide opportunities for attachment
Indirect social robots	+ bring loved ones closer virtually	+ help maintaining sense of being capable (moving aids)	+ maintain sense of belonging to groups outside the facility virtually and physically	+ offer virtual comfort from loved ones	+ help reaching other people virtually and physically	+ help reaching other people virtually and physically	Objectification when eldercare is "left to machines"
	+ help reaching other people physically
Common ethical concern	Risk of lacking live human contact

+ = current outcomes / (+) = in the future, mainly.