Bridging Artificial Intelligence and Care—Smart Assistive Technologies for Long-Term Care

Artificial intelligence (AI) is promoted as a solution for challenges in long-term care, but its implementation raises ethical concerns and practical difficulties. This chapter critically examines the co-constitution of aging and AI by analysing how AI technologies are contextualized in long-term care. Based on interviews with residents, care staff, and AI-developers, we explore three AI-systems in context: a fall-detection sensor, the social robot Pepper, and the robotic seal Paro. Our findings highlight three pathways towards AI-enriched care: (1) Involving older adults in AI development and implementation, (2) recognizing both human and technological vulnerabilities, and (3) fostering meaningful connections between older adults, care staff and AI. We argue that participatory approaches are crucial for bridging the gap between AI and care, ensuring more inclusive and ethical practices in AI-enriched long-term care.