Smart Homes With Robots For the Elderly

One of the things that the elderly detest the most is having to give up their independence and moving out of their own personal space for assisted living. With the advent of technology, it may now be possible for them to keep living on their own, with some robotic assistance.

The Robot Activity Support System, or RAS is a robot created by the researchers at the Washington State University. The robot uses sensors embedded in a smart home to determine where the person is, what they are doing and if they need any help. The little robot is able to navigate through the rooms and around whatever obstacles they face in the house.

The RAS is equipped with a mapping and navigation camera, sensors and software that allow it to help the residents perform basic chores such as
getting ready to walk the dog, taking medication with food and water and watering household plants. If required the robot can provide video instructions to the person to perform the task.

Researchers hope that patients with dementia and other mental impairments may benefit from the services of this robotic system in the future. Currently the science project involves 26 graduate and undergraduate students performing the assisted activities to test the robot.