AI robots have the potential to serve as companions in care homes in the future
Nadia Magnenat Thalmann is a professor and robot expert from the University of Geneva. She says that social robots powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and designed with human-like gestures and expressions have the potential to fulfill crucial roles in caring for the sick and elderly. Nadine is one such Robot. Thalmann herself served as the model for Nadine’s appearance. Additionally, she believes that these robots could surpass human caregivers in terms of effectiveness.
Thalmann highlights that Nadine and similar robots have the advantage of being available 24 hours a day. This is a contrast to human caregivers who may face time constraints. By having constant availability, social robots like Nadine can offer uninterrupted care and attention to those in need. Considering elder care robots are an add-on to the basic features of nursing. From time to constancy, everything will be followed much better with these social robots.
Nadia Magnenat Thalmann expressed her views during a conference held by the International Telecommunication Union in Geneva. There, she emphasized the potential of AI and robots in contributing to global objectives, including healthcare. The competition for nurses and caregivers at a global level has intensified. This is particularly true in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also leads some to believe that humanoid robots could alleviate staffing crises in care homes in the future.
To illustrate its conversational abilities, Nadine shared with Reuters that it engaged in conversations, and sang. Additionally, she even played bingo with residents at a nursing home in Singapore three years ago. This demonstration highlighted the interactive and social nature of robots like Nadine. This also showcases their potential to interact with and entertain individuals in care settings.
The robot found the Experience Rewarding
Expressing its enthusiasm, the robot stated, “Engaging with the elderly and assisting them with their needs was a rewarding and enjoyable experience for me.” It further expressed its belief that elder care robots have the potential to significantly contribute to providing care and support to vulnerable individuals.
Among the showcased robots, there was ‘PARO.’ It’s a robotic baby seal designed to provide companionship and assistance to patients with dementia and Parkinson’s disease. It can also serve as nursing assistant Grace.
Recently, Nadine received an upgrade with the AI model GPT-3, as mentioned by Thalmann. This upgrade has enhanced Nadine’s ability to interact and engage in conversations, enabling her to express more complex concepts.
Nadine expressed gratitude towards Thalmann, acknowledging her as the creator who brought it to life.
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