Robotic Caregiver Aids Couple with Daily Challenges
In Durham, New Hampshire, Brenda and Brian Marquis found a solution to their daily challenges with the help of a robot named Robbie. After losing their second service dog, they were in need of assistance with difficult daily tasks, and Robbie, rolling into their living room, offered them exactly that.
59-year-old Brian, dealing with a traumatic brain injury from a 2012 car accident, interacts with Robbie, who prompts him to exercise. The robot’s screen turns into an exercise guide, helping Brian with his workouts.
“Do you want to exercise now? Please answer yes or no,”Robbie asks.
The idea of lifelike home robots remains a distant vision, but the need for such innovations is growing, especially as more baby boomers reach their 80s. A shortage of home care aides in the U.S., attributed to low wages and high turnover, emphasizes this demand.
The Marquis’ robot, developed with help from the University of New Hampshire and the National Institute of Aging, showcases potential advancements. Brenda Marquis had initially reached out to a UNH robotics professor, Momotaz Begum, inquiring about robotic assistance. Her goal was to find support for Brian, who also struggles with dementia. Robbie, also known as Stretch 4, stays at a charging station and springs into action when needed, reminding Brian to eat or drink.
Brenda shared their difficulties in managing physical and cognitive disabilities, highlighting the lack of available home care support in New Hampshire. She explained her exploration into robotics as an effort to become self-sufficient.
Begum’s research involves socially assistive robots, aiding those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Despite some skepticism about the robot’s appearance, focus groups in memory care units favored functional attributes over aesthetics.
While some older adults use AI voice assistants like Alexa, these devices lack the mobility and functionality necessary for comprehensive caregiving. Motionless devices provide companionship but not the practical help people need. On the contrary, humanoid robots present risks for those with limited mobility due to their bulkiness.
Hello Robot, the company behind Stretch 4, emphasizes simplicity as a virtue. CEO Aaron Edsinger points out that practical design sets realistic expectations.
Stretch 4 features a telescoping gripper, retrieving water bottles for drinking or assisting with reading prescription labels. Utilizing data from sensors and cameras, the robot identifies its location and human presence. Despite its $30,000 price and limited distribution compared to robotic vacuums and speakers, Stretch 4 proves vital for those in need.
The Marquis’ use a posted care protocol for Robbie, ensuring Brian gets reminders for exercise, meals, medicine, and evening routines. Brian acknowledged his initial disinterest in technology but later appreciated the freedom it brought.
“I was never into technology,” Brian Marquis said. “Then I realized I can’t remember to wash my face and my armpits. So, it just really kind of set me free almost.”
Brenda expressed relief from daily caregiving tasks and reduced expenses, allowing her to pursue activities without constant worry.