Geriatronics, the intersection of geriatrics, technology, and robotics, is becoming increasingly relevant as the global population ages. The workshop “Geriatronics: AI and Robotics for Health & Well-Being in Older Age” explored the challenges and opportunities presented by this demographic shift and the role that artificial intelligence and robotics can play in addressing them.
One of the central challenges discussed during the workshop is the shortage of care providers for the elderly. As the aging population grows, the demand for healthcare services and assistance with daily living activities is outpacing the available workforce. This presents a critical issue that AI and robotics can help address. The speakers highlighted the potential for AI-powered systems and robots to assist with routine tasks, monitor health, and provide companionship, thereby reducing the burden on human caregivers. By automating certain aspects of care, caregivers can focus on more complex and emotionally engaging aspects of their work.
Accessibility is another crucial aspect of geriatronics that the workshop emphasized. It’s essential to develop intelligent assistive robotics technologies that are not only effective but also accessible to a wide range of older adults, including those with disabilities. Ensuring that these technologies are user-friendly and adaptable to individual needs is paramount. This involves designing interfaces and control systems that are intuitive and adaptable, making them more inclusive for those with varying levels of technological familiarity or physical capabilities.
Acceptance and adoption of robotic technologies among older adults and their caregivers were also discussed. To successfully integrate these technologies into the daily lives of older adults, it’s essential to address factors that influence acceptance, such as trust, privacy concerns, and the perceived benefits of using robotic assistance. Understanding the potential facilitators and barriers to acceptance can guide the design and implementation of these systems.
Finally, the workshop touched upon the ethical dimensions of care-supporting robots. As AI and robotics become more integral to elderly care, questions of morals and ethics inevitably arise. Participants engaged in discussions surrounding the ethical considerations of using robots in caregiving roles, including issues related to privacy, autonomy, and the potential for dehumanization of care. These discussions underscored the importance of establishing ethical guidelines and frameworks to ensure that technology is deployed in ways that prioritize the well-being and dignity of older adults.
In conclusion, the workshop on Geriatronics provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with the aging population and the role of AI and robotics in addressing these issues. The topics discussed, including the shortage of care providers, accessibility, acceptance, and ethics, are all critical considerations as we navigate the care of our elderly people.
**Citation:**
Alin Albu-Schäffer. (2023). Geriatronics: AI and Robotics for Health & Well-Being in Older Age Workshop Reflection. In *Proceedings of the Geriatronics*, IROS2023, 02/10/2023.