  Studies show dramatic increase in elderly population of Western Europe over
the next few decades, which will put pressure on healthcare systems. Measures
must be taken to meet these social challenges. Healthcare robots investigated
to facilitate independent living for elderly. This paper aims to review recent
projects in robotics for healthcare from 2008 to 2021. We provide an overview
of the focus in this area and a roadmap for upcoming research. Our study was
initiated with a literature search using three digital databases. Searches were
performed for articles, including research projects containing the words
elderly care, assisted aging, health monitoring, or elderly health, and any
word including the root word robot. The resulting 20 recent research projects
are described and categorized in this paper. Then, these projects were analyzed
using thematic analysis. Our findings can be summarized in common themes: most
projects have a strong focus on care robots functionalities; robots are often
seen as products in care settings; there is an emphasis on robots as commercial
products; and there is some limited focus on the design and ethical aspects of
care robots. The paper concludes with five key points representing a roadmap
for future research addressing robotic for elderly people.
