This paper presents preliminary findings from a six-week study evaluating the interaction between older adults and the EBO social robot across an elderly care center in Cáceres, Spain. The research examined how different robot configurations and interaction modalities influence engagement, satisfaction, and performance among 18 older adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment (MMSE \(\ge \) 21). Following a structured protocol approved by the UEX Bioethics and Biosafety Commission, participants engaged in twice-weekly sessions combining conversational interactions (3–5 min) and serious games, including Storytelling, Pasapalabra (word quiz game), and Simon Says (10–15 min). The study implemented a cross-over design alternating between two distinct robotic platform and interaction modes: Mode 1 (positive reinforcement, emotive expression, proximal positioning) and Mode 2 (neutral language, limited emotional expression, distant positioning). Preliminary results reveal that performance in cognitive games improved progressively across the intervention period, with 15% higher success rates observed in Mode 1 compared to Mode 2 interactions. Notably, both participants and professionals demonstrated clear preferences for emotive interaction styles over neutral approaches. These findings contribute valuable insights for designing and implementing social robots in gerontological settings, highlighting the importance of emotionally expressive interaction protocols when working with older adult populations.