[LINK] These robots can clean, exercise - and care for you in old age. Would you trust them to?

[Antony Barry]

Summary of the BBC article: "Would you really trust a robot to care for you in old age?"

The article examines the growing role of robots in elderly care, driven by shortages in care workers and increasing demand due to ageing populations in the UK and globally.

It describes advances by tech companies, such as Shadow Robot in London, developing robots capable of sophisticated hand movements and general assistance around the home.

The UK government has invested £34 million in developing care robots, with predictions that robots will become a normal part of life within 20 years.

Insights from Japan, an early adopter of care robots, show mixed results: robots like HUG (mobility aid), Paro (dementia therapy seal), and Pepper (exercise instructor) have faced practical challenges in real-world care homes. Issues include maintenance burdens for staff, emotional attachments, and unsuitability for some residents.

Robot developers claim improvements are ongoing, with updates to design and software, and clinical evidence supporting therapeutic benefits.

UK firms and academics are testing voice-activated robots (e.g., Genie) and consulting directly with elderly people about needs and preferences—most want robots to be self-maintaining and adaptable.

The article explores design challenges such as developing human-like dexterous robot hands and artificial muscles to handle delicate tasks, with collaborations across research and engineering firms.

Some experts caution that widespread adoption might disrupt the care sector, potentially resulting in less time for human carers and lower pay, while others argue robots are essential to meet future demand.

The consensus is that thoughtful regulation is urgently needed to ensure robots enhance care, rather than replace or diminish the role of human carers, as the industry rapidly evolves.

This summary reflects the article's coverage of technological, ethical, and practical dimensions of robot care for the elderly, along with perspectives from developers, researchers, and industry stakeholders.bbc <https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9wdzyyglq5o?lctg=1980929&utm_source=digitaltrends&utm_medium=email&utm_content=subscriber_id:1980929&utm_campaign=DTDaily20251028>​

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9wdzyyglq5o?lctg=1980929&utm_source=digitaltrends&utm_medium=email&utm_content=subscriber_id:1980929&utm_campaign=DTDaily20251028
DISCLAIMER: I’m 84 and have older friends. A robot to help us sounds pretty good rather than being a problem for our children and grandchildren.

Antony Barry
antonybbarry at gmail.com