When my Great-Grandfather became too elderly to care for himself I watched my grandmother take him in and care for him. When that same grandmother became elderly herself, I watched my aunt take her in and care for her. And someday it will be my turn to care for one of my elderly parents (please God, just don’t let it be my mother-in-law).
But what if we had robots to take care of our elderly parents for us, or at least fill in during the day while we’re at work? An emerging robotics company in Houston is actually exploring that possibility. Quantum International says advanced personal assistance robots could someday help elderly and chronically ill patients lead more independent and productive lives.
The company reported this week that robotics developers in the U.S. are already testing new home-care robots designed to reduce stress on families and other caregivers with assisting seniors and others requiring day-to-day care.
The robots, according to Quantum, can carry third-party sensors for monitoring blood pressure, pulse, oxygen and more, allowing human nurses and other care providers to devote more time to more demanding tasks. Apparently, these bots have been well received by both caregivers and receivers.
But why stop at assisting the elderly and chronically ill? I’m sure plenty of new parents would love to have a robot nanny to help with diaper changes and midnight bottle feedings. And while we’re at it, I’d love to have one that could help me around the house – laundry, dishes, window cleaning, and if it’s not too much to ask can it make dinner too?
