Why do we need robots to care for the elderly?

• The population of the world is increasing.
• Healthcare systems cannot cope with the increasing numbers of old people.
• Elderly people not only need help with physical problems, they also need help with mental illnesses such as dementia

Robots currently under development

1. Nadine

• Nadine has been under development for 3 years.
• Nadine can..
  • ..monitor patients.
  • ..alert doctors in case of emergency
  • ..talk to patients.
  • ..read stories
  • ..play games.
• Nadine cannot..
  • ..understand accents well.
  • ..coordinate well.

2. Mera

• Mera is being developed by IBM.
• Mera can..
  • ..watch a video of a patient’s face to monitor their heart and breathing.
  • ..alert carers if a patient falls

The Internet of things

• Networked gadgets can..
  • ..detect physical changes in patients.
  • ..detect changes in a patient’s environment
  • ..enable carers to give patients more privacy

Robo-pets – Paro

• Paro, a robotic seal, was developed in Japan.
• Paro knows when a patient touches it, and is designed to look patients in the eye.
• In clinical trials, Paro helped to control symptoms including depression, anxiety and stress.
• Paro can also be programmed to treat other psychological symptoms.

Disadvantages

• Elderly people may become even more isolated if human carers are replaced by robots.
• Robots need to be programmed with personal information.