Guides
Plain-English, evidence-based guides for care professionals, families and researchers. We say clearly what the evidence shows, and what it does not.
These guides are written to be genuinely useful. They do not conflate companion communication devices with ambulatory humanoid robots. They do not overstate what any technology does. Where evidence is limited or contested, we say so.
Guide 1
A clear account of which robot technologies are currently deployed in UK care settings, what they actually do day to day, what they cannot do, and the important distinction between companion communication devices and full humanoid robots. Essential background for anyone making a procurement or evaluation decision.
Read this guideGuide 2
Honest, practical guidance for families whose relative is in a care home that uses companion robots, or who are thinking about a companion device for a relative living at home. Covers what these devices do, how to evaluate whether one might help, and how to raise concerns if you have them.
Read this guideGuide 3
A careful, honest account of what social and companion robots can and cannot do in dementia care, what the peer-reviewed research actually shows, the ethical and safeguarding considerations, and what care homes and families should ask before any deployment.
Read this guideGuide 4
One of the most-searched questions in UK social care. A measured, evidence-based answer covering what robots currently do and cannot do, why the workforce crisis makes the question feel urgent, where companion technology genuinely helps, and what the real risks are to watch for.
Read this guideGuide 5
A practical framework for care home managers, care directors, and commissioners evaluating assistive and companion robots. Covers how to define what you need, questions to put to any supplier, the UK regulatory and data protection context, how to run a responsible pilot, and how to build a business case.
Read this guideFor care providers
If you are a care home manager, commissioner or NHS technology lead at the research or planning stage, the For Providers page covers the operational and regulatory considerations in more depth, and explains how to send us a tailored enquiry.