Growing old robotically

The use of Artificial Intelligence and robotics is increasing throughout the world, it is being used across multiple sectors in multiple industries. The healthcare industry is starting to see a boom in how AI and robots can be used, and one way is through the care of the elderly.

Healthcare and elderly care is a subject that gets talked about a lot. A 2017 CB Insights report has suggested that ‘nurses and health aides’ are at the lowest risk of having their jobs taken by AI, however that doesn’t mean AI and robots can’t ease the role.

The promise of AI helping to care for the elderly is big. Last year Accenture ran a pilot program based on AI to help with care delivery and the well-being of the elderly. The platform uses AI to learn user behaviors in order to suggest daily activities, as well as give reminders on when to take medication and understand if there are abnormalities in health. The AI platform can also be accessed by family members and caregivers to check in on the individual.

Another company using similar technology, AI and machine learning is ELLI.Q. The device, described as a ‘active aging companion’, uses online games and video chats to understand the user to suggest activities and give reminders about medication and appointments. As the user continues to interact with the device the more it will learn about their behavior and personality.

And while the development of this AI continues we can’t forget about the value of robotic pets. Nowadays they are less metal and more fur, but the concept is the same. Pets have proven to help the elderly combat loneliness but having a real animal can mean more responsibility, by having a robotic pet the owner can receive the same comfort. And some of the ‘robotic pets’ on the market are being built with AI in mind.

These are just a few ways Artificial Intelligence and robots are helping the elderly, and this technology and the uses are only going to grow. I’m interested to see how far this can go and what it will be like to grow old robotically.

How else do you think AI and robotics can be used to help the elderly? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below

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