ROBOTS FOR OLDIES
I’ve heard it all now and this
definitely wins the prize!
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
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."
I knew the Japanese were up to something, just
couldn’t decide what. Well now I know and I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Can you imagine it? Would it answer back if I complained that he/she/it had
lost my tablets or got the breakfast all wrong? Would it take offence if I
wanted my preference for something rather than his/hers/or its offering? Would
it do things like feed Charlie, or hang out the washing, or have a go at
ironing. I mean, all these things are in a day’s work and it wouldn’t seem
right having to do it all myself with a robot there.
Seriously folks, what’s your opinion on this latest
idea on how to cope with the elderly. Of course, you know that it’s all our
fault, now that we’re living longer and probably outliving all the carers of
this world. Ye Gods, let me out of here…. if there’s someone watching over me
for goodness sake GET ME OUT OF HERE.
Funnily enough although the idea sounds horrid at first, I think it is fine so long as the robots don't take over from real people. And that's the danger. Like, if you need a new prescription, or your shopping, better to ask the robot who will probably get it right. And you can pay them by card for the shopping without having to manage change. the idea of providing any kind of company is creepy.
ReplyDeleteI don't like the idea at all, I'm sure it's some young person's idea of what the elderly need.
ReplyDelete"It is not a question of replacing human support but enhancing and complementing existing care. Be able to move independently and pick up signs the elderly person is unwell or in pain."
ReplyDeleteFor those type things, I think these robots would be very beneficial to assist not only our elderly, but also anyone who might be confine to their home and in need of 24/7 care.
However, I don't feel that robot can/will ever replace the benefit of "human to human contact."
VERY interesting post, my friend! Yes, leave it to the Japanese to create something like this because their culture is extremely conscious and respectful of caring for their elderly.
Have a FAB day, my friend!
X
Mac n' Janet, it's crazy, isn't it? However, by the time they get this implemented - if they do - I won't be around to worry about it... grins.
ReplyDeleteJenny, ah now, shopping. That I could use
ReplyDeleteRon, I feel it is just one more step towards communities of robots and nothing else. Of course, in that case I wouldn't care, would I?! Imagine being in pain and the only way out was to tell a robot, although on reflection they might be geared to give some comforting and reassuring noises before sending for the ambulance.
ReplyDeleteGee, I might want one of them. Seriously, it might be nice to have someone/something to complain to when I feel like bleep. Nobody else wants to hear it. It would be great to tell it to "Let the dogs out," or ask, "Are you sure I took my pills?"
ReplyDelete