An artificial intelligence robot designed to provide support for people living with dementia is set to arrive in Australia as early as 2021, for further development.
Stevie the Robot, created by the team at Trinity College Dublin, made quite a stir when he appeared via video link at HammondCare’s International Dementia Conference this week – and the possibilities are endless.
Assistant Professor Connor McGinn who’s leading the research group that created Stevie, says the robot can perform tasks like controlling lights, reminding residents to take their medication, and more complicated activities like video calls to loved ones.
But the real value comes in the fun he provides.
“Where we saw a huge amount of demand was around social activities,” Prof McGinn said.
Helping homes host social activities for residents
“It is really, really difficult for many facilities to do the social wellbeing activities, the things that people really enjoy doing, things that stimulate intellectual, social and emotional wellbeing.”
“You need to outsource, get someone from outside the facility to come in, which can be challenging and expensive and heavily dependent on geography. Stevie could potentially fulfil that role.”
Trials have seen Stevie emcee a bingo game, run a jeopardy-style quiz and perform a storytelling activity for residents. He’s also been used to help people reminisce with their past.
“A robot is able to instantly play any kind of song you might want to play. If you, say, tell him I grew up in a small town in WA, the robot through its computer has the ability to find images of that town, videos of that town instantly,” Prof McGinn said.
Robots could take pressure off staff
So, when will we see Stevie (or robots like him) at aged care homes around Australia?
Nothing’s certain yet. The current prototype stands 1.4 metres tall, weighs 60kg and there’s no word on what he’ll actually cost providers.
But Professor McGinn is encouraging providers to look beyond the upfront costs, and concerns he might eventually replace existing staff, saying he’s there to “take the pressure off”.
“If you have a look at the problems that are endemic in the long-term care industry around depression, loneliness, feeling of social isolation, being able to overcome these has huge benefits,’’ he said.
