A £22m facility in Edinburgh called the National Robotarium is working on developing robots that can provide comfort and assistance in hospitals. These robots, with the human touch, are being tested in dementia clinics in France. The aim is to provide support to patients and staff by performing repetitive tasks and offering emotional support. Chief among these robots is ARI, a ‘social android’ that can chat, tell jokes, and engage in quizzes with patients. Scientists at the facility are also developing robots that can assist in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) and help with physiotherapy sessions.
The facility is home to startups and research teams working on various robotic projects, with a focus on healthcare applications. The CEO of the facility aims to establish 10 more Robotariums across Britain, with one dedicated to healthcare. The emphasis is on using robots to augment the human workforce and fill gaps in staffing, particularly in care homes where there are significant vacancies. The Assisted Living Lab at the Robotarium is focused on finding ways to use AI and robotics to make life easier for the elderly and disabled, working closely with care homes, the NHS, and housing associations.
The robots being developed at the Robotarium are not just focused on providing companionship and emotional support. They are also equipped with advanced technology such as e-skin that allows them to feel textures, pressure, and location in real-time. For example, the TIAGo robot, which can be controlled remotely using virtual reality, is being trialled at a hospital in Sweden to assist disabled individuals with physical tasks. Other robots like Pepper, a ‘semi-humanoid bot,’ are being used to assist in physiotherapy sessions and monitor patients’ progress. Startups at the facility are also working on innovative projects such as a soft-robotics glove to help stroke victims regain mobility.
The vision for the Robotarium is to revolutionize the healthcare sector by introducing robots that can complement and enhance the work of human healthcare providers. By automating repetitive tasks, providing support to patients, and enabling remote monitoring and assistance, these robots have the potential to alleviate pressure on the healthcare system and improve patient care. The facility is at the forefront of cutting-edge robotics and AI research, with a strong focus on practical applications that can benefit society. As the field of robotics continues to evolve, the integration of robots into healthcare settings offers exciting possibilities for the future of medicine and patient care.
