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Doctors are to use a remote-controlled robot to perform health check-ups on nursing home residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other ailments.
The pilot will use technology developed by the National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and use machine learning and artificial intelligence.
It will see healthcare professionals controlling a robot on the internet to interact with residents of facilities run by Blackwood Homes and Care in Scotland.
Clinicians will be able to see through the robot’s eyes, move around the room or between rooms, and use its arms and hands to perform more complex assessments.
It can also operate in semi-autonomy 24/7.
Toyota’s human support robot will be used by researchers alongside commercially available tele-presence robots.
The developers believe it can help people with Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive impairments by providing regular health monitoring and assessments.
The research was led by Dr Mauro Dragone of the National Robotarium alongside Dr Mario Parra Rodriguez of the University of Strathclyde.
Dr Dragone said: “With the gaps between assessments growing, the care and support that is prescribed to help vulnerable people can become maladjusted as an individual’s physical and cognitive abilities change over time. . “
He said the prototype robot, however, can perform “a thorough, non-intrusive assessment” and will allow caregivers to “detect cognitive decline more quickly.”
He added that the assessment can be “conducted without the patient leaving their home or the clinician leaving their office.”
Dr Rodriguez said: “The experience of inhabiting a remote robot through which I can guide, assess and remotely support vulnerable adults affected by devastating conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, gives me confidence that the challenges that we are currently encountering to mitigate the impact of these diseases will soon be defeated through revolutionary technologies.
Colin Foskett, Head of Innovation at Blackwood Homes and Care, said: “Blackwood is always looking for solutions that help our clients live more independently while promoting choice and control for the individual.
He added that robotics has “the potential to improve independent living” and that the research “will make independent living easier and improve outcomes for our clients.”
The National Robotarium is supported by funds from the UK and Scottish governments.
UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart said: “It was fascinating to visit the National Robotarium and see firsthand how virtual teleportation technology could revolutionize healthcare and assisted living. autonomous.
He added that the research center is a “world leader in robotics and AI, bringing jobs and investment to the region.”
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