As the world grapples with the risk Ebola poses, The New York Times reports on whether robotic technologies deployed in rescue and disaster situations could be repurposed to help contain this current epidemic.http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/23/science/scientists-consider-repurposing-robots-for-ebola.html?hpw&rref=us&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=HpHedThumbWell&module=well-region®ion=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=0
While innovative technologies could play a role in these situations the fact is that there are other groups of health comsumers such as the institutionalised elderly, who represent a far larger sector of society then those at risk from Ebola. Could they benefit from robotic technology?
'Washington-based executive of the International Association of Homes and Services for the Ageing, Katrinka Sloan warns that we are 'in the midst of the biggest demographic change societies had faced with Alzheimer's and related dementias at epidemic proportions.
The statistics are staggering. As nations, we are unprepared for the future that awaits us, financially, infrastructure-wise and socially.' www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11283350
With insufficient staff numbers to care for the increasing numbers of our population who will shortly need care, researchers are turning to robotics for solutions. Robotics provide some potential advantages.
Work related back injuries cause significant issues to productivity and so using robots for tasks such as lifting can enable the health of the human workforce to be protected: www.news-medical.net/news/20110803/New-robot-can-provide-high-quality-care-for-elderly-population....
In addition, the use of animals in providing therapeutic care and companionship are well documented, using animal robots means health and safety issues around their use are overcome www.hospitalandagedcare.com.au/news/robot-carers-help-in-aged-care
In the NZ Herald article above, Sloan describes instances where their use combines practical tasks and companionship: 'I've seen a companion robot walking down a hall with an older woman who was frail, who had a cane.
The robot was alongside and she could take the robot's arm or the robot could put his - or her or whatever - hand out for comfort. Robots can be used for stability or as a companion. They have heads and eyes and talk.'
With instances of elder abuse rising plus difficulties securing suitable staff numbers, will robots provide more reliable 'care'?
On the other hand, can robots really be programmed to 'care'? Does their use reflect a dangerous new era where we are content to hand over our loved ones to be looked after by machines?
Would we be happy for robots to look after our loved ones or eventually to look after us?
Is their development evidence of a society that cares more or cares less about our ageing population?
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It is proposed that robots should have a greater role in the institutional care of the elderly