This study aimed to investigate the structural relationships among the interaction quality of intelligent service robots, technology-based self-efficacy, hedonic value, and reuse intention, focusing on baby boomer consumers in the global foodservice industry. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model and Human-Robot Interaction theory, a research model was designed and empirically tested using survey data collected from baby boomer consumers who visited major foodservice commercial areas equipped with service robots. The empirical analysis results are as follows. First, the interaction quality of service robots had a significant positive effect on technology-based self-efficacy, hedonic value, and reuse intention, with the strongest impact on self-efficacy. Second, technology-based self-efficacy significantly and positively influenced hedonic value. Third, both technology-based self-efficacy and hedonic value had a significant positive effect on reuse intention. The findings suggest that intelligent service robots function as multidimensional mediators providing emotional communion and technological achievement to senior consumers beyond simple functional labor replacement. Based on these results, this study provides practical implications that foodservice enterprises should establish intuitive interface designs and emotional anthropomorphic communication strategies to reduce cognitive overload for senior consumers, thereby securing a sustainable competitive advantage and fostering a senior-friendly food-tech ecosystem.
Han Ji-Soo (Sun,) studied this question.