Description: Assistance robots are robotic devices specifically designed to help people with disabilities or the elderly in their daily lives. These robots can perform a variety of tasks that facilitate independence and improve the quality of life of their users. Their design focuses on human interaction, accessibility, and functionality, allowing individuals facing physical or cognitive limitations to carry out everyday activities more easily. Assistance robots may include features such as autonomous navigation, the ability to recognize and respond to voice commands, and integration with smart home devices. Additionally, they are often equipped with sensors that allow them to adapt to their environment and the specific needs of each user. The relevance of these robots lies in their potential to reduce the burden on human caregivers and provide emotional and physical support to those in need, thus promoting a more autonomous and dignified life.
History: Assistance robots have their roots in industrial robotics from the 1960s and 1970s, when the first industrial robots were developed. However, their evolution into devices designed to help people with disabilities began in the 1980s, with advancements in sensor technology and artificial intelligence. In 1996, Sony’s ‘Aibo’, although not an assistance robot in the strict sense, marked a milestone in human-robot interaction. From the 2000s onwards, research and development of assistance robots accelerated, driven by the aging population and the growing demand for solutions that improve the quality of life for the elderly and people with disabilities.
Uses: Assistance robots are used in a variety of contexts, including homes, hospitals, and care centers. Their primary function is to help individuals with reduced mobility perform daily tasks such as getting out of bed, moving around the house, preparing meals, or reminding them to take medications. They can also provide companionship and emotional support, which is especially valuable for elderly individuals who may experience loneliness. Additionally, some robots are designed to facilitate physical rehabilitation, providing guided exercises and progress monitoring.
Examples: Examples of assistance robots include ‘Paro’, a therapeutic robot shaped like a seal that helps reduce anxiety in elderly patients, and ‘Robear’, a robot designed to assist in lifting and moving individuals with reduced mobility. Another example is ‘ElliQ’, a social robot that interacts with elderly individuals, reminding them of activities and facilitating communication with family members. These robots demonstrate how technology can be integrated into daily life to enhance the autonomy and well-being of their users.
