September 2012
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Robots could improve lives, claims study By Dominic Musgrave ROBOTS can improve the quality of life of people living in care homes, a researcher at the University of Salford has claimed. Antonio Espingardeiro has been bringing robotic cats, seals and humanoid robots to a series of retirement homes in order to address the isolation and boredom often felt by their residents. By programming his robots with a range of interactive games and activities, he has not only entertained the elderly, but has also helped to bridge the gap between them and younger generations as the robots become a source of fascination and discussion during visits. The project is part of his PhD, which is about the ethics of human and robot interaction. According to his research these machines can provide cognitive assistance, supervision and entertainment which can be translated into an immense set of benefits for vulnerable groups. Antonio is conscious that his project isn’t just about ‘buying a robot for granny’, but a meaningful way of bringing generations together and improving everyone’s quality of life.
He said: “The robots are a novelty at first. But they are also less threatening than entertainers or other people who come into homes to interact with people. “And since you can programme them, I’ve been able to make sure that something different happens every week, so the visits never become stale. “Robots aren’t the only solution to this growing issue, but they can be a part of it. It might seem like a strange thing to be doing at first, but my results show how much of a difference this can make.” Antonio has worked with over 74 people plus carers, relatives and managers in care and extra care facilities during 45-minute sessions stretching back eight months. During this period he has been able to record improvements in the happiness of the people he’s been working with. The research still has a year to run, but he believes his work is ahead of the rest of the world – even the Japanese with their rapidly aging population and advanced robots are only just starting down this path. I What do you think about robots in care homes? Let Dominic Musgrave know by emailing dm@scriptmedia.co.uk or call him on 01226 734407.
Students create 3D artwork for home
Former England international cricketer Phil Tufnell (pictured above) joined other well-known faces Anneka Rice and Joe Swift to transform a disused green space at a Sheffield nursing home into a new sensory garden for a TV programme that was aired on the BBC recently. For more about what they created turn to page 3.
A GROUP of art and design students at Derby College has created a collection of 3D artwork to help carers at a Swadlincote nursing and care home work on reminiscence projects with residents suffering from dementia. The collection of six large sculptures, depicting local landmarks and industries, and six smaller pieces including giant beer mats and iconic Hollywood film stars have been created using recycled materials and designed to be tactile as well as colourful. They will now take pride of place at Cedar Court nursing and dementia care home in Swadlincote which is run by Your Health. General manager Vicki Weller said: “The students have done a fantastic job and the results are stunning. I know that they will be greatly enjoyed by staff and residents alike as a focal point to talk more about their lives.”