A highly customisable robot
companion designed by EU-funded researchers to offer support to older people is
currently being presented across Europe and could find its way into people's
homes within two or three years, potentially greatly enhancing quality of life
for older citizens and people with memory or mobility problems. The robot, a
mobile wheeled semi-humanoid figure equipped with cameras, sensors, audio and a
touch screen interface, can remind users to take their medicine, suggest they
have their favourite drink or prompt them to go for a walk or visit friends if
they haven't been out for a while. As part of a larger smart-home environment
that can include smart clothing to monitor vital signs, the system can monitor
user's health and safety, and alert emergency services if something is amiss. Across
Europe, populations are growing older, and many people need care in some way.
Care may be provided by professionals at home or in a care facility, but often
the caregiver is the person's partner or another family member.
The median age across the
European Union's current 28 Member States, which was around 41.2 years in 2011,
is projected to rise to 47.6 years by 2060, while the number of people aged 65
and over will almost double to make up 29.5 % of the population, according to
Eurostat's latest population projections. Meanwhile, the percentage of people
aged 80 and above is expected to triple by 2060. With age-related illnesses
also set to increase in line with that trend, more and more people across
Europe will need care and assistance if they are to maintain their quality of
life, stay healthy and avoid social exclusion. Developed over 33 months by a
consortium of research institutes, universities and technology companies in
seven European countries -- Finland, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands,
Switzerland and the United Kingdom -- the companion robot helps address those
issues. It is just one of several results of an EU-funded project titled 'An
integrated intelligent home environment for the provision of health, nutrition
and well-being services to older adults' (MOBISERV).
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