Articles
Artificial Intelligence—Robots!—in Assistive Technology
Share
Comments (3)
The “Tech Act” of 1988—renamed the Assistive Technology Act in 1998—spawned an assistive technology revolution that brought funding to researchers and statewide programs for technological assistance. In my last post, I explored assistive technology as it applies to aging in place—including assistance with activities of daily living, health monitoring through preventative and responsive systems, and the use of sensors to track a person’s actions—or, inaction! In this installment, we’ll take a closer look at artificial intelligence (AI)—otherwise known as robots, and how they can ease the process of long-term care. For those of you who think I overslept and am still dreaming of being Judy Jetson, rest assured; I am fully cognizant. Yes, robots for seniors are the wave of the future, and the “future” is finally here.
Before I delve into the world of robots as envisioned in our most stereotypical of sci-fi fantasies, let’s begin on a smaller scale—robotic parts. A company called Phybotics was created in 1997 to bring assistive rehabilitation devices to the elderly and disabled market. Phybotics’ Raptor, a wheelchair with a robotic arm, is the first FDA-approved assistive robot. The user controls the arm using a joystick, keypad or a sip-and-puff interface, which sends signals to the device by using a straw-like tool. Yobotics, Inc., an offspring of MIT’s Leg Laboratory, does for the leg what Phybotics does for the arm. Yobotics’ Robo Walker is a powered, wearable device that will enhance and even replace muscular function of the legs. While Robo Walker is not yet available to consumers, it has done well in preliminary trials. One robotic mobility device that is currently available is Independence Technology’s iBOT Mobility System. Unlike other electronically powered wheelchairs, the iBOT raises in height to bring the user to others’ eye level, “walks” up stairs using two sets of rotating wheels, uses special software called iBalance that utilizes sensors and gyroscopes for maintaining balance during tricky maneuvering and operates on five different terrains.
What would it be like to have a robot around the house? The researchers involved with Carnegie Mellon University’s People and Robots Project posed that very question. The multi-university research initiative is geared toward developing robots to assist the elderly living in their own homes. Pearl the NurseBot is a prototype personal mobile robotic assistant. She looks like a robot as most of us envision one with movable facial features and four vertical feet of wires and electronics. Pearl can verbalize reminders, recognize speech, guide a path with arrows on her screen and prompt the user to move to avoid collision with an object or person. While Pearl isn’t yet available to consumers, R.A.L.P.H.—Real Assisted Living in your Preferred Home—is. Much like Pearl, R.A.L.P.H provides assistance and monitoring with a few extra perks—he’ll turn on lights, lock, unlock and open doors, adjust temperature in rooms, watch your home when you’re on vacation, record TV programs for you, remind you of appointments and even read you passages from the Bible! R.A.L.P.H. also monitors parts of your home for movement and contacts help if you’re idle for too long—which could indicate an injury or disturbance in health.
Robotic assistants are a ways away from integration into the home of every senior. In fact, many people are unaware of the technology currently available to them. However, replacing the human caregiver with robotic assistance allows for increased isolation and depression. Another possible obstacle involves accessing the senior market. Technology is advancing at a rapid pace and is light years away from where it was when seniors were providing care for their parents and grandparents. Will Grandma, who may have just learned to download photos online, be open to a robot? We at Gilbert Guide want to know what you think.
Welcome to the future&
Lori Deschene
Posted in: Aging in Place, Assistive Technology
3 Responses To This Article. Add Your Comment.
Related Articles
