Research on purchase intention and optimization strategy of intelligent four-legged robot for the blind based on STS-UTAUT model

Abstract

In recent years, assistive robots for the visually impaired have begun to enter peoples lives as an innovative tool. This study aims to explore the factors influencing the purchase intention of intelligent quadruped robots for the visually impaired, enhance public acceptance of these robots, and provide practical suggestions for their design. The study integrates the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with the Social Technology System (STS) theory to develop a STS-UTAUT integrated model for the purchase intention of intelligent quadruped robots for the visually impaired. Based on this model, 11 research hypotheses are proposed, and data are collected through in-depth interviews and other research methods, with empirical analysis conducted using SPSS. The study also analyzes the impact weights of each variable on the purchase intention of intelligent quadruped robots for the visually impaired. The findings indicate that both social environment and technology application significantly influence the purchase intention of these robots. The STS-UTAUT integrated model enables designers to better understand the needs of the visually impaired, leading to the development of more suitable intelligent quadruped robots, thereby improving their quality of life and social participation.

Keywords

intelligent robot for the blind / willingness to use / integrated user adoption model / social technology system theory

References

[1] World Health Organization. Blindness and vision impairment[EB/OL].[2024-08-10]. https://www.who.int/zh/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment.

[2] Du Shan. Research on a tactile feedback-based guide device for the blind[D]. Harbin Institute of Technology, 2023.

[3] Gao Yibo. Research on Multi-sensor Fusion Positioning and Mapping for Quadruped Robots[D]. Zhejiang University, 2022.

[4] PASMORE W, WINBY S, MOHRMAN S A, et al. Reflections: Sociotechnical Systems Design and Organization Change[J]. Journal of Change Management, 2019, 19(2): 67-85.

[5] Liu Zhuo, Qiao Yuanjie, and Zhang Fengxue. Factors influencing the willingness to use elderly smart walkers based on the STS-TAM fusion model[J]. Packaging Engineering, 2025, 46(06):47-54.

[6] Chuttur MY. Overview of the Technology Acceptance Model : Origins, Developments and Future Directions[J]. Sprouts Working Papers on Information Systems, 2009(9):1-21.

[7] Zhou Xue. Research on the adoption behaviour of shared bicycle based on UTAUT2 theory[D]. Capital University of Economics and Business, 2019.

[8] Venkatesh V, Davis F D. User Acceptance of Information Technology: Toward aUnified View[J]. MIS Quarterly, 2003, 27(3):425-47

[9] Huang Guoqing and Chen Xue. A Study on the Willingness to Use Shared Bicycles Based on Situational Perception and UTAUT: Consumption Economy[J]. 2017, 33(3):62-68.

[10] Hu Kai. Social Technology System Theory and Its Application in Project Organization Design[D]. Wuhan University of Technology, 2003.

[11] LIM Y, NICKPOUR F, GIACOMIN J. Mentality Shift in Inclusive Design: From Physical to Psychosocial Inclusion[C]// Proceedings of the 8th Cambridge Workshop on Universal Access and Assistive Technology (CWUAAT 16). Cambridge: Cambridge Engineering Design Centre, 2016.

[12] HAUSER S, OOGJES D, WAKKARY R, et al. An Annotated Portfolio on Doing Postphenomenology through Research Products[C]// Proceedings of the 2018 Designing Interactive Systems Conference. Hong Kong: Association for Computing Machinery, 2018: 459-471.

[13] Hirohiro Higashino. Design Exclusion Research Turn and Strategic Approach in Inclusive Design[D]. Jiangnan University, 2023.

[14] Congressional Record 91st Congress 2nd Session[R]. Superintendent of Government Documents, 1970.

[15] Kong Xiangfu, Yu Hui, and Xue Zehua. Research on the Design of Elderly Assistive Devices from the Perspective of Well-being Design[J]. Packaging Engineering, 2022, 43(02):42-49+71.