Robotic pets, lifelike baby dolls and virtual reality experiences are increasingly being used in aged care to support those living with dementia. Still, experts warn that their growing popularity brings complex ethical questions.
While these emerging technologies have been shown to reduce agitation, improve mood and encourage social engagement, researchers say their use must be carefully managed to avoid potential harm, including deception, loss of dignity and emotional distress.
A multidisciplinary team from the University of Queensland is working to address these concerns, developing an ethical framework to guide the responsible use of simulated technologies in dementia care.
Dr Wei Qi Koh is leading the research, alongside Divya Anantharaman and Associate Professor Jacki Liddle, drawing on the lived experiences of people living with dementia, their families, and aged care staff and managers.
Findings from the first phase of the research will be presented at the International Dementia Conference 2026, where the team will outline how different stakeholders perceive the ethical dilemmas associated with these tools.
“Some people living with dementia enjoy interacting with a robotic pet, while others may find them childish or infantilising,” Ms Anantharaman said.
“Similarly, a VR experience of hiking may delight someone who loves the outdoors, but could bring negative memories and upset another individual.”
Divya Anantharaman
The research highlights several key ethical concerns, including privacy, the risk of deception, whether technology could replace human care, and the possibility that it may inadvertently increase loneliness.
Tensions can also arise between residents and their families. In some cases, family members may feel uncomfortable seeing a loved one engage with a robotic companion, even when it appears to improve their well-being.
“Staff often need to navigate these differing views and wants,” Ms Anantharaman added.
Cost and access are also emerging issues. Robotic pets can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, with more advanced models using sensors to respond to touch, movement and sound. As artificial intelligence capabilities expand, these technologies are expected to become more sophisticated—and more widely adopted.
The research, supported by the Dementia Australia Research Foundation, involved interviews and focus groups with people living with dementia, their families and aged care workers.
Dr Koh said the team had identified several core principles to underpin ethical use, including prioritising residents’ happiness, maintaining choice and control, supporting “alternative realities” without deception, and ensuring technology complements rather than replaces human care.
“We need to use technology ethically at every stage – from carefully considering who it’s appropriate for and getting the right consents, to using it responsibly and planning for how to phase it out if needed,” she said.
The next phase of the project will bring together stakeholders to build consensus on how best to manage these ethical challenges in practice.
The research team also includes dementia advocates Chris King, Gillian Woodhouse, Kelvin Edward Roache and the late Bobby Redman, reflecting a strong emphasis on lived experience in shaping future care models.
The International Dementia Conference 2026 will take place on 4–5 June at the Hilton Sydney.
