Robots enter homes of older Aussies

Rosy cheeked social robots Charles, Sophie, Matilda and Jack will be used in what has been described as a world first trial to increase wellbeing for mild dementia patients in the comfort of their own homes.

In a trial which began last month, each robot has been placed in the home of one dementia sufferer for two weeks. The emotional wellbeing of each participant will be measured by their responses to the robot, as well as surveys before and near the end of the trial. 

The trial will also study the impact on the quality of life of caregivers involved in supporting the dementia suffers. The trial was funded by a $40,000 Alzheimer’s Australia Dementia Research Foundation grant. Other co-investigators in this project include Professor Yvonne Wells and Dr Mei-Tai Chu.

Professor Rajiv Khosla, lead researcher on the project, said: “These assistive robots are expected to improve the emotional wellbeing of mild dementia sufferers through engagement and sensory enrichment.”

The robots provided by NEC, Japan have been designed by Professor Khosla’s team for service and social innovation in health care.

“They can talk, sing, dance, play games, tell the weather and read the newspaper. They are unique, the first of their kind to be used therapeutically for mild dementia sufferers,” Professor Khosla said.

DPS News first reported on the arrival of the robots in Australia in 2011.

Prior to arriving in Australia, the new robots Charles and Sophie – named after Charles La Trobe and his first wife – reportedly spent 80 days travelling the world receiving modifications, including an increase in size and a modern makeover before reaching their new home down under.

The robots have the capability to reminisce with dementia suffers, sending mood based emails and supporting caregivers to remotely manage activities of dementia sufferers.

“The social robots can also make phone calls and remind patients to take their medicine. Senior citizens with mild dementia can communicate with the social robots using their voice or a touch panel with large buttons. The touch panel allows remote communication with the robot at home,” Professor Khosla explained.

He claimed the robots would help the dementia sufferers to gain confidence in daily life and reduce feelings of uselessness.

“They could revolutionise the way we look after older people with dementia.  The social robots are already breaking technology barriers and are set to provide more sophisticated and emotionally engaging services to help our senior citizens become more independent and resilient.”

The social robot project is a joint research venture between La Trobe University and the global electronics giant, NEC Corporation.