Robots in elderly care
Technology develops fast and robots play a unique role in our lives, especially they can help the elderly in nursing homes. In this Blog we talk about robots and their advantages. But first, let's review the history of robots, specifically in nursing homes.
Robot Institute of America (1979) defines a robot as “A reprogrammable, multifunctional manipulator designed to move material, parts, tools, or specialized devices through various programmed motions for the performance of a variety of task”
“Gakutensoku” was the first humanoid robot ever that was built in 1928 by Nishimura Makoto in Japan. Gakutensoku means learning from the laws of nature. After that many advanced robots were built and robotic technology and technology progresses became more advanced and the role of robots in life began to grow. Over time robotics became prevalent in nursing homes. The first humanoid robot that started to work in nursing homes was pepper with a tablet screen in its chest. She is smart and always in a good mood. She can tell jokes and amuse elderly and help nurses. She reminds the elderly to eat and exercise and helps the elderly to live longer and happier.
Turin, Italy - April 2018: "Pepper" robot assistant with information screen in duty to give information
Another humanoid robot that helps the elderly in nursing home is Rosie. She leads the elderly in a dance or yoga session and helps with physical therapy.
According to a report by Reuters, pepper production is discontinued. But the important thing is that robotic solution will continue until the day that all nursing homes are robotic assisted nursing homes.
BellaBot, PuduBot and Whiz are some of the newest delivery robots and autonomous vacuum sweepers that help the elderly, housekeepers and cleaning workers in nursing homes.
GARMI is a humanoid robotic assistant for the elderly. GARMI helps the elderly with activities of daily living, such as doing housework and improves communication with family and friends. All in all, GARMI is a suitable humanoid robotic assistant to cover all of the needs of the elderly.
Stevie is another robot that works in nursing homes. It is a socially assistive robot and it can move around. It has more human-like features that allow it to interact socially with elderly. It provides social interaction and support.
Another robot that can help the elderly in nursing homes or in their homes is RUDY. According to data collected from infrobotics.com RUDY is an AI-enabled mobile solution that helps users remain physically healthy, mentally sharp, and socially connected. With RUDY, older adults can age in place at a fraction of the cost.
ROBEAR is a Humanoid Nurse Robot that is developed by Scientists from RIKEN and Sumitomo Riko Company Limited. It can lift a patient from a bed in a wheelchair and helps a seated patient into a standing position.
Another self-driving robotic service for elderly is SAM. According to data collected from roboticsbiz.com, SAM enables healthcare workers to guarantee remote monitoring, physical safety, and communication between residents, loved ones, and staff.
Buddy, Car-O-Bot, ElliQ, IPal and Zora are the other robots that work for elderly.
Housekeepers in the near future have no more physical problems in nursing homes because the robots will help them and make their job easier. No more pandemic can affect future robotic assisted nursing homes and their residents.