Experimental study with 51 retired seniors about robot role and social demeanor.
Assistant robots with playful demeanor are rated as more intelligent and socially attractive than those with serious demeanor.
Companion robots with a serious demeanor are rated as less anxious and less eerie than those with a playful demeanor.
Social attraction is a key determinant for seniors' adoption of companion robots.
Assistant robots are likely to be used if they can avoid the uncanny valley effect.