Prefer a Human or Social Robot in your old age?
15-04-2025
Often people refer to the use of robotics as being cold and not ‘human’ enough. However, when you study social robotics in real world settings you discover that there is much more nuance to bring to this discussion.
Somaya Ben Allouch, professor at the research group Digital Life (AUAS), has worked with a great team in the last four years with ZorgAccent, Menzis, DigiNova and warmly supported by NZA. Together with this team she discovered how people with dementia can build meaningful relationships with social robots and how it can sparkle a light in their eyes.
There are still many challenges to overcome (financial reimbursement, implementation in daily work flow, training of care professionals, technical barriers), but let's keep investing in developing robotics which can be adapted to peoples need and can support scarce care personnel in their daily work activities.