Humanoid
robots, with cultural awareness and a good bedside manner, could help solve the
crisis over care for the elderly, academics say.
An
international team is working on a £2m project to develop versatile robots to
help look after older people in care homes or sheltered accommodation.
The
robots will offer support with everyday tasks, like taking tablets, as well as
offering companionship.
Academics
say they could alleviate pressures on care homes and hospitals.
Researchers
from Middlesex University and the University of Bedfordshire will assist in
building personal social robots, known as Pepper Robots, which can be
pre-programmed to suit the person they are helping.
Playing games
It
is hoped culturally sensitive robots will be developed within three years. The
programme is being funded by the EU and the Japanese government.
Prof
Irena Papadopoulos, expert in trans-cultural nursing, said: "As people
live longer, health systems are put under increasing pressure.
"In
the UK alone, 15,000 people are over 100 years of age and this figure will only
increase.
"Assistive,
intelligent robots for older people could relieve pressures in hospitals and
care homes as well as improving care delivery at home and promoting independent
living for the elderly.
"It
is not a question of replacing human support but enhancing and complementing
existing care."
She
added: "We are starting with care homes and with people who are
semi-independent living in sheltered housing, but we do believe that in the
future the robots would become acceptable for people to have in their own
homes."
Well-being
Pepper
Robots are manufactured by Softbank Robotics and already used in thousands of
homes in Japan.
Amit
Humar Pandey, the company's chief scientist, said the firm wanted to create a
world where robots co-exist with humans in harmony, for a smarter, healthier,
safer and happier life.
It
is hoped the new robots will help improve the well-being of their charges by
providing entertainment and enabling them to connect better, through smart
appliances, with family and the outside world.
They
will communicate through speech and with gestures, be able to move
independently and pick up signs the elderly person is unwell or in pain.
Similar
robots are already being used in hospitals in Japan to perform tasks such as
lifting patients and serving food.
You
May Also Read Robot DoorDash deliveries is Coming soon
In
the final year of the project, the robots will be tested at Advinia Healthcare
care homes in the UK.
The
company's executive chairman Dr Sanjeev Kanoria said it was keen to
revolutionise the care of the elderly by supporting hard-working care staff.
"Robots
can support care workers by helping to reduce errors in medication and
assisting them with advanced technology to help vulnerable residents, live
safer independent lives in care homes and at home."
No comments:
Post a Comment