Robot Ameca inspires seniors in Leer: fitness and friendship!

Robot Ameca inspires seniors in Leer: fitness and friendship!

An exciting experiment is currently taking place in the small town of Leer in Lower Saxony that could shed light on the future of geriatric care. The humanoid robot “Ameca” is used in a care facility to research the interaction between seniors and technology. This robot not only has a human-like face, but can also sing, read and instruct gymnastics exercises. The nurse starts the sitting exercise program conveniently via computer and encourages around two dozen seniors to actively participate. [n-tv] reports that the seniors' early introduction to “Ameca” elicits many positive reactions.

Engineer Celia Nieto Agraz explains that the robot was deliberately designed not to be too human to be perceived as such. The researchers, especially neuropsychologist Björn Holtze, are particularly interested in how seniors react to “Ameca”. The goals of the study are clear: What characteristics do older people find appealing, and what could possibly be disruptive? Experience reports show that seniors show great interest. An inviting example comes from Edith Schmidt, 89 years old, who finds “Ameca” likeable and interesting. Herta Börner, 92 years old, compares the robot's touch to a well-groomed woman's hand and describes it as pleasant. This positive feedback not only pleases the researchers, but also suggests the possibility that robots could provide valuable support in geriatric care.

Acceptance and skepticism

But there are also skeptics. Manfred Elsen, the head of Haus Friede, is cautious about the possibilities of the robot. While he sees the potential to combat loneliness and promote interactions, the question remains whether robots can also take on more complex care tasks. Health insurance companies and health experts also warn of an impending shortage of skilled workers in nursing. [tagesschau] found that more than 20% of nursing staff in Lower Saxony will have to be replaced by 2034, which underlines the need for innovative solutions such as “Ameca”.

The challenges should not be underestimated. The number of people in need of care in Germany has doubled in the last ten years. According to the Federal Statistical Office, an increase to around 5.6 million people in need of care is forecast by 2035. By 2030 alone, 130,000 additional nursing staff will be needed. Experts agree that robots could help relieve the burden on caregivers by taking over everyday tasks. [pacura-med] describes that there are already different types of care robots, from service robots to social robots, which are specifically designed to interact with those in need of care.

Technological advances in care

For many, the use of robots in care facilities is still new territory. But technical progress, particularly in the area of ​​artificial intelligence, could help the care industry out of the current crisis. Robots such as “Ameca” or the service robot GARMI, which is being developed at the Geriatronics Research Center at the Technical University of Munich, have already passed initial test runs. This technology could help people take on specific tasks - be it bringing tea or replenishing medicine stores. The ambitious goals and current demand suggest that we can expect increased integration of robots into elderly care in the coming years.

As technology continues to advance, human touch remains an essential part of care. Therefore, it is important to consider the role of robots in care as a supporting element. At a time when we are facing a drastic shortage of nursing staff, “Ameca” could perhaps be the first step into a new era of aged care.