1. The Role of Medical Robotics in Elderly Care
M. K. A. Ahamed Khan, I. Elamvazuthi, M. Amudha and S. Rajendran
Abstract
Rapid progress of standard of living and health care worldwide has resulted in the increase of aging population. More and more elderly people are getting less care from their family or caregivers. The application of robot technologies in the service of general end-users promises many benefits. In particular, assistive robots have a variety of functions to offer to the elderly. The intelligent service robot can assist elderly people with many tasks, such as remembering to take medicine, measure blood pressure on time or to entertain through interactive sessions. This paper discusses the new and emerging medical assistive robotic technologies for elderly care.
Keywords: medical robotics, elderly care, emerging technology, converging technology
1. Medical Robotics
2. Robotics Field
In this study, Robotics is considered the domain of systems
able to perform coordinated mechatronic actions (force or
movement exertions) on the basis of processing information
acquired through sensor technology, with the aim of supporting the functioning of impaired individuals, medical interventions, care and rehabilitation of patients and also individuals in prevention programmes.
Robotics offer the promise of sustainable and affordable health provision without compromising quality of care. The areas are:
Robotised surgery
Intelligent prosthetics
Robotised motor coordination analysis and therapy
Robot-assisted mental, cognitive and social therapy
Robotised patient monitoring systems
3. Robots for Elderly Care
Kompai
Okonomiyak
Yurina
uBOT-5
Wakamaru
A Japan Logic Machine
employee demonstrates a
bed-shaped care-robot
'Yurina' which can be
transformed between a bed
and a wheelchair for elderly
and disabled people
The robot uses face and
voice recognition
technology to
communicate with their
‘keeper’.
It can remind pensioners
when to take their
medication, ensure they are
eating properly and spot
medical emergencies and
raise the alarm.
The 4ft tall wheeled robot
has an interactive TV screen
which allows elderly users to
talk to relatives and doctors
via the internet.
Recognize human activities, such
as walking or sitting.
Recognize an abnormal visual
event, such as a fall and notify a
remote medical caregiver.
Through an interface, the remote
service provider may ask the
client to speak, smile or raise
both arms, movements that the
robot can demonstrate.
If the person is unresponsive, the
robot can call 911, alert family
and apply a digital stethoscope
to a patient, conveying information
to an emergency medical
technician who is en route.
Detection of moving persons
Face recognition of 10 persons
Voice recognition 10,000 words
Memorises his owner's daily
rhythm of waking up, eating,
sleeping, etc.
Remind the user to take
medicine on time
Calling for help if he detects a
moving objects around him while
you are away (e.g. intruder)
Provides information and services
by connecting to the Internet
The robot demonstrates its
ability to cook traditional
Japanese food –
Okonomiyaki, a savoury
pancake.
The robot which has 15 joints,
can take verbal orders from
customers and use standard
kitchen utensils
It would be an asset for
elderly in home
4. Benefits Potential
5. Concluding Remarks
The benefits of robots for elderly care are:
increased health by decreased level of stress
more positive mood
decreased loneliness
increased communication activity with others
rethinking the past
Robotics hold the promise of addressing some major healthcare issues:
The field of robotics in healthcare is in its infancy – industry, government and research can still exert influence.
There is a need to bridge the difficult transitions from laboratories to trials and from trials to regular healthcare practice.
Systematic support to research is needed for progress to be made.
Addressing ethical and legal problems should be an integral part of any research programme in this field.
Electrical & Electronic Engineering Department
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
31750 Tronoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan
Malaysia
Electrical & Electronic Engineering Department
Universiti Industri Selangor
45600 Bestari Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia