Robots to help older people living independently in Lincoln

Mobile robots which can measure temperature and heart rates are being trialed in assisted living homes for elderly people in Lincolnshire. 

The robots have been developed as part of a European project that includes computer scientists at the University of Lincoln. 

The robots have speech functions, can recognise residents and have teleconference systems so residents can speak to healthcare professionals. 

They can also measure residents’ vital signs, can navigate around a home and can track appointments and shopping lists. 

They are being trialed in homes in Lincoln where older people live independently but have support from a 24-hour care team commissioned by Lincolnshire County Council adult social care.

The homes are run by Lace Housing.

Principal investigator at the University of Lincoln, Nicola Bellotto, said: ‘If a nurse is only able to see a patient once a week, the robot can be exploited to provide a wider picture throughout the day, monitoring the patient discreetly but continuously.

'This will particularly benefit those who have mild cognitive impairments, for example older people who are still physically healthy but may have early symptoms of dementia.'

The robots will be trialed in Lincoln for a year and also in care homes in Greece and older people’s homes in Poland.