http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416212725.htm
I found this very interesting article addressing the aging population and the use of the technology robots. They call this robot the uBot5.
Some of the robots functions are:
· Family members can visit their elderly family from internet connections.
· Doctors can perform virtual house calls.
· Can dial 911
· Remind clients to take medication
· Help with grocery shopping.
***all these don’t allow for one on one interaction with other individuals***
This product may be very good for elderly who wish to live at home independently, but I believe this will have major consequences on the senior’s social skills. If they are not coming into live contact with their family, medical professionals or friends they are not getting that needed interactions with other individuals. Many seniors are not “just waiting to die,” they still have lives and want to do things that are some enjoyment to them. I believe strongly in the use of elderly homes because they will get that real-life one to one interaction with peers and medical professional instead of having their life run through a computer. Yes, the robot is break through technology to support the growing number of seniors in the world, but I don’t believe this technology will give them appropriate social interactions or a personal care when supporting them.
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