Pepper, a 'humanoid' robot made in Japan, is being adapted in trials to care for vulnerable groups in the UK. Picture: BLOOMBERG/KIYOSHI OTAPepper’s skill set includes making phone calls, identifying missing items in the kitchen and occasional aerobics instruction.
“We are specifically interested in understanding the needs of the most vulnerable at this time and what technology could be used to make their lives better,” Mauro Dragone, the project’s lead scientist, said. “Successful innovation in the field is crucial to alleviate the strain on health and social care services.”
Researchers, care providers and the end-users of assisted living services are being asked to use cloud and internet of things technologies — in which objects in the house are fitted with sensors linked to the internet — to participate remotely.