Enjoy old age with maid robot

Not only young people who use modern technology devices, in the next 1-2 decades, retirees will become familiar with a very important technology in their lives, robots. Help.

According to United Nations estimates, the world's over 65-year-old population in the 2010-2050 period will increase by 181%, compared with only 33% for those aged 15-65 years. This shows that automation devices that support the elderly are and will be lucrative markets for robotics companies. The International Robot Federation (IFR) said the market is growing very fast, with 3 million domestic help robots sold in 2012 (up 20% from the previous year) and forecast that number will increase. is 15 million in the period 2013-2016.

With the criteria of safety, intelligence and versatility, robotic fabrication specialists have launched many useful elderly support products.

GiraffPlus helps to take care of the elderly from a distance

This is part of a research project funded by the European Union (EU) that aims to monitor the health and activities of older people in their homes.The GiraffPlus robot , developed by Orebro University (Sweden), is a multi-camera machine, moving on wheels and connecting to users' computers and mobile phones over Wi-Fi wireless networks. GiraffPlus is controlled over the Internet, allowing older relatives and caregivers to chat with them remotely.

Care-o-bot 3 serves the daily needs of the elderly

While GiraffPlus primarily focuses on interaction, fully automated service robots can handle relatively complex tasks. For example, Care-o-bot 3 robots are being tested as a generation of intelligent robots that act as a butler of the elderly. It is capable of providing many services, from carrying items, opening doors, to monitoring employers and proposing them to do some healthy things, like exercising or drinking water regularly.

The product developed by the University of Hertfordshire (UK) can interact with users through a tablet, allowing them to look at the robot's 'eyes' and give instructions, or read its suggestions. In addition, robots know how to express emotions, such as a sad face when users ignore its reminders. Care-o-bot 3 is expected to be available in the market within the next 3 years.

Paro - cute 'soul mate' of older people

A number of nursing homes in Japan, Europe and the United States are currently providing their residents with Paro seal robots for their friends. Paro was developed by the Japanese company AIST with the aim of comforting and improving the spiritual life of lonely elders. He made a soft cry when he received the caressing gesture of his master and when he heard his name, even cried when he was dropped or neglected by his master.

Besides robots capable of directly interacting with the elderly, many robots supporting housework are also gradually exposed. For example, iRobot Roomba robot (USA) with the function of automatically detecting and cleaning dust or water dust, ensuring the living environment of the elderly is always clean and safe. Or a Korean company's Yujin robot can locate its owner and bring food to them. In addition, many companies are also developing robots that perform specific tasks such as laundry, washing dishes and even bathing for the elderly. If successful, the robot world promises to help elderly people in the future to be able to live independently, without needing relatives to take care directly or to go to nursing homes.