Advancements in healthcare and medicine have increased the life expectancy of humans. However, a longer life span brings with it its own distinct challenges. Older adults have grown up children that are often fully occupied with their own lives and responsibilities. Their social circle diminishes as their friends either pass away or can’t get together regularly due to age or sickness.
The coronavirus pandemic has brought this issue into sharp focus. Worldwide, isolated older adults in nursing homes and assisted living communities have been forced to live through lockdowns and quarantines. Their loneliness was amplified by the fact that they couldn’t meet or hold their family members.
Fortunately, there is some hope on the horizon in the form of robots.
Robots as Pets
When you first hear about robots being used as pets, you might think of a person gently patting a machine. The reality is quite different. Robotic pets are being manufactured with the lifelike features of real pets, including realistic fur.
In the United States, a pilot project by the Alabama Department of Senior Services has partnered them, as well as several other state-level agencies, with a robotic pet manufacturer. Their aim is to provide many seniors with these robotic companions.
The state of New York was first in the United States to conduct a study of these robots’ usage and their impact on the elderly. After spending a year with these pets, 70% of the pilot project’s participants reported feeling less lonely.
Support Robots
Another category is support or service robots, which are designed to act as caretakers of their elderly companions. Support robots can perform a variety of tasks such as remind their companions to stay hydrated, provide social interaction, and give reminders about phone calls or appointments.
Their connectivity features even enable them to access the internet and let their companion communicate with family or friends via platforms such as Skype and Facetime.
Why Support Robots and Robotic Pets Make Sense
For people living alone, pets can be a source of comfort and joy. However, as living beings, pets are also a big responsibility. Additionally, older adults who live by themselves without family members can benefit from service robots.
- Robotic pets don’t need to be fed, groomed or taken to the vet.
- They don’t need daily walks.
- Their responses and activity level isn’t overwhelming for the elderly.
- Unlike real pets, robotic pets don’t age, fall ill or pass away.
- Support robots can slow age-related cognitive disorders by keeping their companions engaged.
- Support robots can provide reminders about medication and food.
- Some kinds of support robots can be programmed to detect falls, which is helpful for people who have problems with balance.
It goes without saying that quality human contact is the ideal way to reduce the isolation and loneliness felt by the elderly. However, in the absence of family members or friends, robots have proven themselves capable and up to the task.
From robotic welding systems and industrial robot parts to Mitsubishi robots and ABB spare parts, we’ve got the widest range of robots for sale.
Contact us today and let us find you the ideal robot mechanical parts for your project.