Researchers in New Hampshire are testing a socially assistive robot called Robbie to help older adults remain independent at home. The robot, based on Hello Robot’s Stretch 4 platform, assists elderly by providing exercise guidance, medication and meal reminders, hydration prompts, and personal hygiene cues. Developed through a collaboration between the University of New Hampshire and the National Institute on Aging, the project aims to address growing shortages of home-care workers while supporting aging populations who wish to remain in their own homes.
Unlike the humanoid robots often portrayed in science fiction, Robbie prioritizes functionality over appearance. Equipped with cameras, sensors, and a mobile platform, it can monitor routines, deliver reminders, and assist with everyday tasks, reducing the burden on family caregivers. Although the system currently costs nearly $30,000 and remains in an early adoption phase, researchers view it as a practical example of how robotics could complement human care in the coming decades as demand for elder-support services continues to rise.
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https://apnews.com/article/robot-elder-care-companion-946ce0517281381950e72f088b0eda89