With the speed of technological development, AI is no longer in a realm where only Sci-Fi writers have dared to go. Today, many AI developers are working hard to create the companions we always wanted, and they’re doing a pretty good job at it.
However, the question here is, why would you need a robotic avatar instead of a human being? Especially if you’re developing with an elderly caregiver in mind, there are some serious ethical questions before creating something that may come off as creepy.
The world is changing, and so are we. The aging population is growing rapidly, and with it, the need for a new approach to senior care.
As we age, we become more vulnerable to health issues and often require assistance with daily activities. How can we help seniors live as independently as possible? What technologies can assist seniors in living healthy, happy lives?
The answer lies in Cognitive Robotics. Cognitive Robotics uses artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics technology to help seniors live better lives. By combining AI with robotics, Cognitive Robotics can provide seniors with remote monitoring, companionship, and even assisted walking.
AI and Robotics In Senior Care
AI is already being used in senior care services. Some robots help seniors with daily tasks like taking medications or reminders to take their pills. These robots can help seniors stay independent and avoid moving into assisted living facilities or nursing homes.
Smart Homes
Smart homes use sensors and artificial intelligence to automate many aspects of everyday life, so you don’t have to lift a finger — everything from controlling lights and temperature settings to monitoring security systems (including video surveillance) and alerting emergency services if something goes wrong inside your home.
Remote Monitoring
Remote monitoring systems allow friends and family members to monitor the health of a loved one remotely from their smart device or computer. For example, if a family member has diabetes, they might have an insulin pump that monitors their blood sugar levels and alerts them when it needs to be refilled.
Notification allows the caregiver to refill their insulin pump without visiting them in person each time they need more insulin. This technology is beneficial when someone has memory loss because they may forget when they need refills on their medication or other supplies necessary for treatment, such as bandages or gloves.
Companionship
One of the most important things that many older people lack is companionship. A companion robot could be programmed to communicate with seniors and provide companionship when needed most. This would allow them to live independently without hiring a full-time caretaker.
Assisted Walking
One of the most critical areas of cognitive robotics research is humanoid robots that can assist older adults with mobility issues. As we age, our bodies change so much that we experience impaired gait patterns and muscle weakness, making walking difficult, if not impossible.
Robots are effective at assisting older adults during their daily routine tasks like walking outside or climbing stairs. They have also improved strength in patients with Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis (MS). Increasing strength and balance in these patients’ muscles reduces their risk of falling while performing daily tasks like walking around the house or going upstairs.
Wearable Technology
Wearables are becoming increasingly popular among seniors because they can help them stay connected to their family members while maintaining their independence. Wearables can also help seniors keep track of their health by monitoring their vital signs and sending notifications when something changes in their daily routine or diet.
For example, Fitbit recently launched a new line of fitness trackers specifically designed for seniors that can help them monitor their activity level, heart rate, and sleep patterns to keep track of any changes in their health over time.
Social
As we grow older, we face many challenges in our lives. Our social skills may deteriorate, and we become more isolated. We may not be able to drive or travel as easily, and more of us live alone than ever before. This can lead to loneliness and depression, severely affecting our physical and mental health.
Technology is helping us to address this problem by creating robots that can interact with people in ways that feel natural and familiar. The goal is not only to reduce loneliness but also to improve the care of older adults by giving them companionship when they need it most.
Continued Independence
If you are 55 or older, AI will allow you to live independently for longer. It will help with physical care, such as monitoring and replenishing prescribed medications and alerting the family if dangerous situations arise, such as balance loss or breathing problems.
They can be programmed to answer questions about your health and the weather. They can assist in managing your home environment by turning off the lights or adjusting the thermostat at pre-determined times. Robots can provide companionship and allow seniors to remain in their homes rather than being institutionalized.
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