December 20, 2024 • 21 mins
What if robots could revolutionize senior care without sacrificing the human touch? Our latest episode promises insights into how humanoid robots might be the key to addressing workforce shortages and rising care costs in an aging world. We dive into the capabilities of cutting-edge technologies like Tesla's Optimus and Figure 2, exploring their potential to transform routine care tasks and allow human caregivers to focus on emotional support. Hear our thoughts on maintaining a delicate balance between embracing technology and preserving essential human empathy.
Join us as we unravel the future of human-robot interactions, where communication evolves beyond simple commands to genuine, emotionally intelligent exchanges. Discover how advancements in natural language processing empower robots to understand and respond to human speech, emotions, and nonverbal cues, becoming empathetic companions that enhance the quality of senior care. We'll also examine the robots' ability to assist with delicate tasks and highlight the importance of user control and privacy, ensuring interactions feel supportive rather than intrusive.
Our exploration continues with a look at diverse models for integrating robots into senior care, from Robotics as a Service (RaaS) to specialized consulting firms offering tailored solutions. Finally, we reflect on the ethical implications of these technological advancements, emphasizing the need for ongoing dialogue to ensure everyone ages with dignity and respect. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of how innovation and compassion can coexist in the future of senior care.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
AI Host (00:00):
Hey everyone, welcome back.
Today we're diving intosomething that's both kind of
futuristic A&D super relevantright now Humanoid robots in
senior care.
Senior Care Expert AI (00:11):
Yeah, it's definitely a topic that's
gaining a lot of traction.
AI Host (00:14):
We've got this white paper outlining the potential
you know, plus the analysis ofwhere robotics is A right now,
like the current state of things.
Senior Care Expert AI (00:23):
Right.
AI Host (00:23):
And you know, with the global population aging rapidly
and senior care already understrain, Absolutely.
It's not just a sci-fi conceptanymore.
It's a conversation we need tobe having.
Senior Care Expert AI (00:32):
Yeah, for sure.
AI Host (00:34):
So the white paper paints a pretty stark picture of
where things stand in seniorcare right now.
Senior Care Expert A (00:41):
Definitely it doesn't sugarcoat anything,
that's for sure.
AI Host (00:43):
It points out the immense pressure from the aging
population.
Senior Care Expert AI (00:46):
Right, that's the biggest factor I'd
say and there's the workforceshortage.
Huge problem.
Yeah, Finding enough caregiversis hard enough as it is.
AI Host (00:54):
Yeah.
Senior Care Expert AI (00:54):
But then you factor in the specialized
skills they need oh absolutely,and the emotional toll of the
job.
It's a lot to ask.
AI Host (01:01):
And the financial side too right.
The costs just keep rising.
Senior Care Expert AI (01:04):
Yeah, for both families and facilities.
AI Host (01:06):
So it's this perfect storm of challenges, really.
Senior Care Expert A (01:09):
Absolutely , and that's where these
humanoid robots come into thepicture.
AI Host (01:12):
Yeah, and the white paper is careful to say these
robots aren't meant to replacehuman caregivers.
Not at all, it's more aboutaugmenting.
Senior Care Expert AI (01:20):
Yeah, augmentation, that's the key
word augmenting.
Yeah, augmentation, that's thekey word.
AI Host (01:23):
Supporting existing care models.
Senior Care Expert AI (01:24):
Right, exactly.
AI Host (01:25):
So it's not about robotic nurses taking over more
like them handling certain tasks, so human caregivers can focus
on what they do best.
Senior Care Expert AI (01:35):
Exactly the things robots can't
replicate.
AI Host (01:37):
Things that require that human touch, the emotional
stuff.
Senior Care Expert AI (01:40):
Exactly.
AI Host (01:41):
Okay, but I got to ask when we say humanoid robots, are
we talking like those superrealistic ones we see in movies?
Senior Care Expert AI (01:50):
Not quite that level yet.
But, the technology IS evolvingrapidly.
Take Tesla's Optimus, forexample.
Initially it was designed forfactory work, but now Tesla's
exploring its potential in homecare, designed for tasks like
chores, mobility assistance.
AI Host (02:07):
And they've got all that self-driving AI expertise.
Senior Care Expert AI (02:09):
Exactly, and you can see how that could
translate.
AI Host (02:12):
Makes sense.
So from self-driving cars to,like, self-navigating home
helpers.
Senior Care Expert AI (02:17):
Right.
AI Host (02:18):
That's a pretty big leap.
Senior Care Expert AI (02:19):
It is yeah what about other companies.
AI Host (02:21):
Anyone else working on similar stuff?
Senior Care Expert A (02:23):
Absolutely Figure, for example, is
developing their Figure 0, robot.
AI Host (02:29):
Oh, I've heard of that one.
Senior Care Expert AI (02:30):
Designed specifically for real-world
functionality.
AI Host (02:32):
So like actually being able to do stuff in a home
environment.
Senior Care Expert AI (02:35):
Exactly, we're talking advanced mobility,
incredibly dexterous hands, wow.
Goal is to have it move andinteract almost like a person
could.
AI Host (02:46):
Okay, so these robots are getting seriously
sophisticated.
Senior Care Expert AI (02:48):
They are yeah.
AI Host (02:49):
But what does that actually mean in, you know, in a
senior care setting?
Senior Care Expert AI (02:53):
Good question.
AI Host (02:54):
Can you give us some concrete examples of what these
robots might actually do?
Senior Care Expert AI (02:57):
Sure, let's say, a resident needs help
remembering their medication.
AI Host (03:02):
Right, that's common.
Senior Care Expert AI (03:03):
A humanoid robot could not only
provide the reminder, but itcould also use AI to track if
the medication was actuallytaken.
AI Host (03:10):
Oh, wow.
Senior Care Expert AI (03:11):
Detect any potential side effects, even
alert medical professionals ifneeded.
AI Host (03:16):
So it's more than just a fancy alarm clock.
Senior Care Expert AI (03:18):
Much more .
AI Host (03:19):
What about physical assistance?
How are these robots addressingmobility issues?
Senior Care Expert AI (03:24):
That's a primary focus area.
These robots are being designedwith advanced mobility and
dexterity.
They can assist with thingslike getting out of bed, walking
, navigating stairs.
AI Host (03:35):
Wow.
Senior Care Expert AI (03:35):
So it's not just about preventing falls,
it's about supportingindependence too, oh.
AI Host (03:40):
I see.
Senior Care Expert AI (03:41):
Giving seniors the confidence to stay
active and think about thepossibilities for personalized
care.
AI Host (03:46):
Okay, what do you mean?
Senior Care Expert AI (03:47):
AI algorithms could analyze a
resident's habits, theirpreferences, even emotional
states, so the robot'sinteractions can be tailored in
a very individual way.
AI Host (03:57):
Personalized care from a robot.
Yeah, that's both futuristic,ad kind of comforting.
Senior Care Expert AI (04:02):
Yeah, it's an interesting concept.
AI Host (04:04):
But it also makes me think what about the human side
of things?
Senior Care Expert AI (04:06):
Right.
AI Host (04:06):
Can a robot really replace that warmth, that
empathy that a human caregiverbrings?
Senior Care Expert AI (04:12):
It's a really important point, and one
the white paper addressesdirectly.
AI Host (04:16):
Okay.
Senior Care Expert AI (04:16):
The idea isn't to replace human
connection, it's to augment it.
AI Host (04:20):
Right, so robots handle those routine tasks freeing up
human caregivers to focus on,you know, emotional support,
having meaningful conversations,building those important
relationships Exactly.
Does the white paper give anyspecific examples of like how
(04:43):
that balance could work?
Senior Care Expert AI (04:45):
It does, for instance, imagine a robot
monitoring a resident's vitalsigns and sleep patterns
overnight.
AI Host (04:51):
Okay.
Senior Care Expert AI (04:51):
Then it shares that data with the human
caregiver in the morning.
AI Host (04:55):
So the human caregiver has more information to work
with.
Senior Care Expert AI (04:57):
Right.
It informs their care plan forthe day.
AI Host (05:00):
It's almost like the robot is a silent partner
working behind the scenes.
You could say that Supportingthe human caregiver's decisions.
Senior Care Expert AI (05:07):
Exactly it's using tech to enhance human
capabilities, not replace them.
AI Host (05:12):
That's a good distinction.
Yeah, this is all reallypromising, but I know there are
also concerns, like with any newtechnology.
Senior Care Expert AI (05:19):
For sure.
AI Host (05:19):
Data privacy, for instance.
Senior Care Expert A (05:21):
Absolutely Huge concern.
AI Host (05:22):
Your robot's collecting all this personal information.
That's got to be handledcarefully.
Senior Care Expert A (05:26):
Absolutely .
The white paper stresses theneed for strong cybersecurity.
AI Host (05:31):
OK.
Senior Care Expert AI (05:32):
Data encryption to protect that
sensitive information.
AI Host (05:35):
Yeah.
Senior Care Expert AI (05:35):
And also clear guidelines about how that
data is used and informedconsent from users.
AI Host (05:40):
OK, good to know they're thinking about that.
Senior Care Expert AI (05:42):
Yeah.
AI Host (05:43):
But what about the social and ethical implications?
You know I can see some peoplefeeling uneasy about robots in
those intimate caregiving roles.
Senior Care Expert AI (05:50):
Yeah, that's a valid concern.
AI Host (05:52):
Does that address it all?
Senior Care Expert AI (05:53):
The white paper acknowledges that we need
ongoing discussions about theethical side.
AI Host (05:58):
OK.
Senior Care Expert AI (05:58):
And that guidelines will need to evolve
as the technology does.
That makes sense.
It's crucial to make surerobots are implemented in ways
that respect people's autonomy,dignity, and that human
connection remains central tocare.
AI Host (06:13):
It's a lot to consider the capabilities, the social
side, the ethical stuff.
Senior Care Expert AI (06:17):
It is yeah.
AI Host (06:18):
We're just scratching the surface here.
Senior Care Expert AI (06:19):
We are.
AI Host (06:20):
Feels like we need to dive deeper into each of these
areas.
Senior Care Expert A (06:22):
Definitely , and in part two of this deep
dive, we're going to shift ourfocus to human-robot interaction
that fascinating world.
Okay, how will we communicatewith these robots?
How will they understand ourneeds and respond to them?
AI Host (06:38):
Sounds like we're heading into some mind-bending
territory.
Senior Care Expert AI (06:40):
We are.
AI Host (06:41):
I'm ready for it.
Senior Care Expert AI (06:42):
Good.
So welcome back to our deepdive into humanoid robots in
senior care.
We've covered a lot of groundalready, but now let's get into
the nitty gritty of how humansand robots will actually like
interact.
AI Host (06:55):
Yeah, this is where it gets really interesting for me.
Senior Care Expert AI (06:57):
Right, it's not just about giving
commands, right.
AI Host (06:59):
No, definitely not.
Senior Care Expert AI (07:00):
The aim is for these interactions to
feel, you know, natural,intuitive, maybe even like
emotionally intelligent.
AI Host (07:08):
OK, so how are we even going to talk to these robots?
Good question, will it be likeyou know, robot initiate
medication reminder protocol,like those old sci-fi movies?
Senior Care Expert AI (07:19):
I think we're way past that.
AI Host (07:20):
OK good.
Senior Care Expert AI (07:21):
The key here is natural language
processing, or NLP.
Way past that, okay, good, thekey here is natural language
processing, or NLP.
It's the AI magic that letsrobots understand and respond to
human speech.
Like you know, like you'rechatting with a friend.
AI Host (07:33):
Oh.
So instead of all that formaljargon I could just say hey,
remind me about my pills later.
Senior Care Expert AI (07:38):
Exactly, and the robot wouldn't just, you
know, set a basic alarm.
They could process the contextLike maybe it reminds you when
you're near your medicinecabinet or you know if it knows
your routine.
It might suggest taking thepills before dinner.
AI Host (07:50):
Wow, that's pretty impressive.
But what about, like accents?
You know dialects, differentlanguages, even.
Senior Care Expert AI (07:56):
Oh, absolutely.
That's crucial, especially insenior care.
You know residents might havediverse backgrounds, but the
tech is getting there, believeme.
Okay, A lot of robots canalready interact in multiple
languages.
The aim is to makecommunication smooth and easy,
no matter how someone speaks.
AI Host (08:13):
That makes sense.
It's like having a universaltranslator right Built right in.
Senior Care Expert AI (08:16):
Exactly, but we got to remember
communication isn't just words.
We use tone of voice, facialexpressions, all of that.
AI Host (08:24):
So can robots pick up on that stuff too?
Senior Care Expert AI (08:26):
That's where it gets really cool.
Nonverbal interaction is huge Ein this field.
Future robots won't just belistening, they'll be watching
too.
Oh wow, Designed to mimic humanexpressions, making eye contact
, nodding, even using gestures.
AI Host (08:42):
Hold on, so they're not just understanding what I'm
saying, but how I'm saying itExactly.
That seems super complicated.
How did they even program thatinto a robot?
Senior Care Expert AI (08:49):
It's a combo of like super advanced AI
algorithms and incrediblesensors.
These robots will be analyzingfacial expressions, tone of
voice, even things like heartrate.
AI Host (09:02):
Wait, hold on Robots sensing our emotions.
Senior Care Expert AI (09:04):
It's becoming more and more possible.
And for senior care.
Think about it A robot sensesyour down rate.
It doesn't just say what'swrong in a robotic voice, no, it
might suggest a calmingactivity you like or just sit
with you quietly.
AI Host (09:14):
That's amazing.
Senior Care Expert AI (09:14):
It's like a companion that just gets it.
No, it might suggest a calmingactivity you like, or just sit
with you quietly.
AI Host (09:19):
That's amazing.
It's like a companion that justgets it.
Yeah, what about boundaries,like if a robot's picking up on
all my moods?
Doesn't that feel intrusive?
Senior Care Expert AI (09:27):
That's a big question.
Developers are working on.
AI Host (09:29):
Makes sense.
Senior Care Expert AI (09:30):
The goal is helpful, not overbearing.
Users need control over whatinfo the robot accesses you know
Right and how it responds.
Transparency and customizationare key here.
AI Host (09:41):
That makes sense.
So we've got talkingunderstanding emotions, but what
about the physical stuff?
Senior Care Expert AI (09:47):
Oh yeah, the physical side is huge.
Robot hugs are probably a waysoff, but assisting physically,
that's a priority.
AI Host (09:54):
Okay.
Senior Care Expert AI (09:54):
I think helping a senior up from a chair
or providing support whilewalking like a steady arm.
AI Host (09:59):
So like a built-in physical therapist.
But what about more delicatestuff like helping someone get
dressed or eat?
Senior Care Expert AI (10:07):
That's where the cutting edge is.
AI Host (10:09):
Okay.
Senior Care Expert (10:09):
Researchers are working on super dexterous
hands with sensitive feedbacksystems, you know.
AI Host (10:14):
Oh, interesting.
Senior Care Expert AI (10:15):
The robot can sense pressure and adjust
its grip, so interactions aregentle and controlled.
AI Host (10:19):
So it's not just about grasping stuff, it's about
feeling and adjusting the touch.
Senior Care Expert AI (10:24):
You got it Crucial for things like
dressing, bathing, even physicaltherapy.
AI Host (10:29):
This is mind-blowing, but can a robot ever really be a
companion?
Senior Care Expert AI (10:33):
The million-dollar question right,
yeah, and the research sayscautiously yes.
It's more than just programlines.
It's AI that learns yourpreferences, remembers stories
and can have real conversations.
AI Host (10:46):
So not just small talk, but actual deep conversations
where you feel heard.
Senior Care Expert AI (10:50):
Exactly, and for seniors who might be
isolated, that can be lifechanging.
Mental stimulation, combatingloneliness.
AI Host (10:57):
And what about control?
Am I stuck with a robot that'salways talking or following me
around?
Senior Care Expert AI (11:01):
That's where user interfaces come in.
The goal is intuitive controlVoice commands, touch screens,
maybe even gesture recognitionlike wave your hand to dismiss
it.
AI Host (11:11):
So interacting naturally, almost like with a
person.
Senior Care Expert AI (11:14):
That's the idea and there's potential
for personalization.
You know, app-based managementadjust the robot style, schedule
tasks, set boundaries.
AI Host (11:22):
Wow, Customizing your own robot companion.
That's both cool and a little Idon't know.
Senior Care Expert AI (11:27):
A little daunting.
AI Host (11:28):
Yeah, maybe, but bigger picture can humans and robots
really be a team in senior care?
Senior Care Expert AI (11:35):
That's the crucial question, and the
research points to collaborationas the key.
It's not about robots takingover.
AI Host (11:42):
Okay good.
Senior Care Expert AI (11:42):
It's about their strengths alongside
human caregivers.
AI Host (11:46):
Can you give an example of what that might actually
look like?
Senior Care Expert AI (11:49):
Sure, let's say a resident is
recovering from surgery, right,the robot handles monitoring
vitals, medication reminders,even some physical therapy
exercises, ok.
But the human caregiver isthere for emotional support,
checking in on how they're doingoverall.
AI Host (12:05):
So they work together almost.
Senior Care Expert AI (12:06):
Exactly Human compassion and robotic
efficiency, you know, for trulycomprehensive care.
AI Host (12:12):
That's the dream, right .
Senior Care Expert AI (12:13):
It is.
But like any new tech, therewill be bumps Building trust,
the ethical questions, makingsure it's accessible to everyone
.
AI Host (12:20):
Those are big issues.
Senior Care Expert AI (12:21):
They are, and, luckily, that's exactly
what we're going to explore inpart three of this episode.
We'll dive into the businessmodels emerging around this tech
, from subscriptions to trainingcenters.
AI Host (12:33):
I'm looking forward to it.
It sounds like we'll be gettinginto the real world
applications of all this.
Senior Care Expert A (12:36):
Absolutely , and we'll tackle those ethical
considerations head on.
How can we ensure this tech isused responsibly and benefits
everyone involved?
AI Host (12:45):
That's a crucial question.
I'm glad we'll be covering thattoo.
Senior Care Expert AI (12:47):
So stay tuned for a look at the business
A&E ethics of humanoid robotsin senior care.
AI Host (12:53):
OK, so we've explored the potential, the tech behind
it, even how we'll interact withthese robots, you know.
But now let's get down to brasstacks.
How does all this actually likehappen?
Senior Care Expert AI (13:06):
Yeah, good point, Because lab
innovation is one thing right.
AI Host (13:09):
Right.
Senior Care Expert AI (13:09):
Getting it into homes and care
facilities.
That's a whole other ballgame,absolutely.
But the research luckily looksat some pretty interesting
business models that are, youknow, starting to emerge.
AI Host (13:20):
OK, so what are some of those models?
How do we bring these robotsinto the real world of senior
care?
Senior Care Expert AI (13:25):
Well, one that's kind of makes sense,
especially with the upfront costof these robots.
Yeah, it's robotics as aservice.
AI Host (13:33):
Right, yes, right.
Senior Care Expert AI (13:34):
Exactly yes.
AI Host (13:35):
We touched on this a little before, but for our
listeners who might not befamiliar, sure, can you unpack
that a little?
Senior Care Expert AI (13:39):
Basically , it's a subscription model,
like how you subscribe tostreaming or software, Right,
Right.
So instead of buying a robotoutright, which could be like a
huge expense, you'd pay amonthly fee to have one in your
home or you know your carefacility.
AI Host (13:57):
So it's about making it more accessible, then right,
especially for people who mightnot have the budget for a big
purchase like that.
Senior Care Expert AI (14:03):
Exactly.
That's the main idea.
AI Host (14:05):
But does everyone get the same robot then?
Or is there some like room forcustomization with this model?
Senior Care Expert AI (14:13):
Oh, flexibility is super important.
With Reyes, you could havedifferent tiers based on the
level of care needed, you know.
AI Host (14:17):
I see.
Senior Care Expert AI (14:22):
So, like a basic package, might be
medication reminders, somecompanionship features, but a
higher tier that might offermobility assistance or, you know
, more, advanced healthmonitoring.
AI Host (14:29):
Makes sense.
You build your own care package, basically.
Senior Care Expert AI (14:31):
Exactly the robot and features that best
fit your needs.
AI Host (14:34):
Okay, that makes sense, but who's handling all the
technical stuff then?
Oh yeah, that's a big plus withRaylis.
Okay, that makes sense, butwho's handling all the technical
?
Senior Care Expert AI (14:38):
stuff then.
Oh yeah, that's a big plus withRayless.
AI Host (14:40):
Okay.
Senior Care Expert AI (14:41):
The provider.
They handle the maintenance,repairs, updates, all that so
you know you get the benefitswithout the headaches of
ownership.
AI Host (14:49):
I bet a lot of people would appreciate that getting
rid of those headaches.
Senior Care Expert A (14:52):
Definitely yeah.
AI Host (14:53):
But Rayless is just one option right, there are others
out there.
Senior Care Expert AI (14:56):
Oh, absolutely.
One that I think is reallyinteresting is home integration
robotics consulting firms.
AI Host (15:03):
Okay, that sounds kind of complicated, to be honest.
Senior Care Expert AI (15:07):
Yeah, maybe a little intimidating for
people who aren't like supertechie.
AI Host (15:10):
Yeah.
Senior Care Expert AI (15:11):
But think of them as expert guides, you
know, helping you navigate thiswhole robot world.
They'd assess your needs first,figure out which robot's the
right fit, you know.
Then they handle theinstallation, any customization
and, most importantly, thetraining.
AI Host (15:28):
Training for both the seniors Using the robot A and D,
the family or caregiversinvolved right.
Senior Care Expert AI (15:34):
Oh, absolutely.
You can't just drop a robot offand expect everyone to figure
it out, right, people need tofeel comfortable, understand its
limits, you know, and be ableto troubleshoot those basic
issues.
AI Host (15:42):
So it's bridging that gap between the cool tech and
actually using it every day.
Senior Care Expert AI (15:46):
Exactly, you could say they're like robot
whisperers making sureeverything runs smoothly.
AI Host (15:51):
I love that robot whisperers, oh, but what if a
whole senior care facility wantsto use robots?
Senior Care Expert AI (16:03):
You know, that seems like a much bigger
hurdle.
Oh yeah, it's a whole differentlevel.
But these consulting firms,they could still play a big role
there.
They work with the facility todevelop a whole plan, choose the
right robots for differentneeds, train staff and help
integrate the robots into theirexisting routines.
AI Host (16:15):
So it's not just the tech, it's the expertise to use
it well.
Senior Care Expert AI (16:19):
Exactly Having a plan, implementing it
right.
AI Host (16:22):
Yeah.
Senior Care Expert AI (16:23):
But there's another model that I
think might be even moreappealing to some folks, and
that's the RoboCareUSA providerfranchise.
AI Host (16:30):
The RoboCareUSA franchise.
I remember that was mentionedin the white paper.
Senior Care Expert AI (16:33):
It was, and it's gaining traction
because it's like the best ofboth worlds.
You get the consistency of afranchise right, but with this
cutting edge tech.
So the idea is each franchisethey have a team of human
caregivers, but they also havehumanoid robots as part of their
care package.
So it's not either, it's both.
(17:03):
Each the robot might handleovernight monitoring, medication
reminders, while the humancaregiver focuses on personal
care and social stuff during theday.
AI Host (17:06):
It's a more well-rounded approach then.
Senior Care Expert AI (17:08):
Exactly Covering all the bases.
AI Host (17:09):
And the franchise part.
That's interesting too, becauseit implies a certain standard
of quality.
Senior Care Expert AI (17:15):
Yeah, consistency across the board.
AI Host (17:17):
Yeah, and training, no matter where you are.
Senior Care Expert AI (17:19):
Exactly.
It builds trust knowing thatbrand stands for a certain level
of service.
AI Host (17:24):
But I imagine not everyone's going to be
immediately comfortable withrobots.
Senior Care Expert AI (17:28):
Oh, for sure.
AI Host (17:29):
Even with all this support, yeah, what about people
who need a little moreconvincing?
Or maybe they just want to liketry it out first before they
commit, you know?
Senior Care Expert AI (17:37):
That's where the senior robotics
training and support centerscome in.
AI Host (17:40):
Okay, so like a demo center.
Senior Care Expert AI (17:42):
Exactly A dedicated space where, you know
, seniors, families, evencaregivers, can experience the
tech firsthand.
AI Host (17:49):
It's education, not a sales pitch.
Senior Care Expert AI (17:50):
Exactly Demystifying the whole thing.
You'd have demo robots,workshops.
AI Host (17:55):
Okay.
Senior Care Expert AI (17:55):
Maybe even support groups, you know,
where people can share theirexperiences.
AI Host (17:59):
Yeah, that community aspect can be really powerful.
Senior Care Expert A (18:02):
Absolutely Takes a fear out of the unknown
.
AI Host (18:05):
So we've talked about these support systems, but what
about the health care system asa whole?
Right, how do robots fit inwith?
You know, doctors, hospitals,all that.
Senior Care Expert AI (18:17):
That's a big piece of the puzzle and
that's where health roboticsintegration companies come in.
AI Host (18:21):
Okay, what do they do?
Senior Care Expert AI (18:22):
Their goal is to like weave these
robots into the existinghealthcare fabric.
You know.
AI Host (18:28):
So not replacing doctors or nurses, but working
with them.
Senior Care Expert AI (18:31):
Exactly, it's about collaboration,
sharing information, improving,care overall.
AI Host (18:37):
So give me an example.
Senior Care Expert AI (18:38):
Sure.
Imagine a robot at home rightTracking a senior's vital signs.
AI Host (18:43):
Okay.
Senior Care Expert AI (18:44):
That data is shared securely with their
doctor.
AI Host (18:46):
Okay.
Senior Care Expert AI (18:47):
Allowing for adjustments to care plans,
maybe even preventingunnecessary hospital visits.
AI Host (18:52):
That's incredible, like a 247 health guardian.
But what about privacy?
Senior Care Expert AI (18:58):
Oh for sure, Huge concern.
AI Host (19:00):
Who has access to all that information?
Senior Care Expert AI (19:02):
Yeah, that's something these companies
will need to be verytransparent about.
AI Host (19:05):
Right.
Senior Care Expert AI (19:05):
But the potential is huge Early
detection, personalized care, amore responsive system overall,
it's telehealth, but on a wholeother level.
AI Host (19:15):
You could say that Okay , so we've got these big models,
but what if someone's curiousbut not ready to sign a
long-term contract?
Senior Care Expert AI (19:21):
Yeah, good question.
AI Host (19:22):
Can they test the waters first?
Senior Care Expert A (19:24):
Definitely that's where robotic rental and
resale marketplaces come in.
AI Host (19:29):
Oh, interesting.
Senior Care Expert AI (19:29):
So imagine a platform where you can
rent a robot for a week, amonth, whatever.
AI Host (19:34):
A test drive basically.
Senior Care Expert AI (19:35):
Exactly See how it fits into your life.
AI Host (19:37):
It takes the pressure off.
Senior Care Expert AI (19:38):
It does, yeah, and if you love it, you
can buy it, if not, return it.
AI Host (19:42):
Smart, and it creates a resale market too.
Exactly.
Senior Care Expert AI (19:46):
Making it more affordable A&D sustainable
.
AI Host (19:49):
So those robots get a second life.
Senior Care Expert AI (19:51):
Exactly.
AI Host (19:52):
So far, we've focused on robots that help with
physical stuff.
Health Right, but what aboutthe emotional side?
Senior Care Expert AI (19:59):
Ah, you're talking about the
companion robotics subscriptionservice.
AI Host (20:02):
Yeah, tell me more.
Senior Care Expert AI (20:04):
This is all about addressing those
social and emotional needs.
Ok, robots designed for genuinecompanionship.
AI Host (20:11):
This is where things get really like philosophical
right.
Senior Care Expert AI (20:13):
Yeah.
AI Host (20:14):
Can robots really fill that human connection role?
Senior Care Expert AI (20:17):
It's a complex area but the potential
is there.
These robots would use likeseriously advanced AI to engage
in meaningful conversation.
Remember things about you.
Even adapt to yourcommunication style.
AI Host (20:31):
So not just pre-programmed stuff.
It learns as it goes.
Senior Care Expert AI (20:33):
That's the idea creating a sense of
real companionship, someonewho's always there to listen.
AI Host (20:38):
That could be huge for seniors facing isolation.
Senior Care Expert AI (20:40):
It could be, yeah, combating loneliness,
offering a fresh perspective.
AI Host (20:45):
It's mind-blowing to think about.
It is yeah One thing that'sclear is there's no
one-size-fits-all solution,right.
No single business modelthat'll take over.
It's gonna be diverse.
Senior Care Expert AI (20:56):
I think so.
Yeah, A whole ecosystemcatering to different needs.
AI Host (21:01):
And that's what makes this so fascinating.
Senior Care Expert AI (21:02):
Exactly, and as tech evolves, we'll see
even more creative solutions.
AI Host (21:07):
Wow, that's exciting.
Senior Care Expert AI (21:08):
It is, but we had to be thoughtful,
make sure it benefits everyone,you know.
AI Host (21:12):
Yeah, prioritize human well-being above all else.
Senior Care Expert A (21:15):
Absolutely .
AI Host (21:16):
This has been such an eye-opening look into the future
of senior care.
Senior Care Expert AI (21:20):
I agree.
AI Host (21:21):
And for me it's a mix of like wonder and caution, you
know.
Senior Care Expert AI (21:24):
Yeah, that's a good way to put it.
AI Host (21:25):
Because this tech, it could revolutionize how we age
and care for each other, butit's up to US to make sure it's
used ethically and responsibly.
Couldn't agree more so to ourlisteners.
What are your thoughts on allthis?
What excites you?
What are your thoughts on allthis?
What?
Senior Care Expert AI (21:39):
excites you, what worries you?
Yeah, keep the conversationgoing, because this is a journey
we're all on together.
AI Host (21:43):
Absolutely.
The future of senior care isn'tjust robots.
It's about human connection,compassion, making sure everyone
can age with dignity.
Senior Care Expert AI (21:51):
I love that.
AI Host (21:54):
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive.
Until next time, keep exploring, keep questioning and keep
diving deep.
Hey everyone, welcome back.
Today we're diving intosomething that's both kind of
futuristic A&D super relevantright now Humanoid robots in
senior care.
Senior Care Expert AI (00:11):
Yeah, it's definitely a topic that's
gaining a lot of traction.
AI Host (00:14):
We've got this white paper outlining the potential
you know, plus the analysis ofwhere robotics is A right now,
like the current state of things.
Senior Care Expert AI (00:23):
Right.
AI Host (00:23):
And you know, with the global population aging rapidly
and senior care already understrain, Absolutely.
It's not just a sci-fi conceptanymore.
It's a conversation we need tobe having.
Senior Care Expert AI (00:32):
Yeah, for sure.
AI Host (00:34):
So the white paper paints a pretty stark picture of
where things stand in seniorcare right now.
Senior Care Expert A (00:41):
Definitely it doesn't sugarcoat anything,
that's for sure.
AI Host (00:43):
It points out the immense pressure from the aging
population.
Senior Care Expert AI (00:46):
Right, that's the biggest factor I'd
say and there's the workforceshortage.
Huge problem.
Yeah, Finding enough caregiversis hard enough as it is.
AI Host (00:54):
Yeah.
Senior Care Expert AI (00:54):
But then you factor in the specialized
skills they need oh absolutely,and the emotional toll of the
job.
It's a lot to ask.
AI Host (01:01):
And the financial side too right.
The costs just keep rising.
Senior Care Expert AI (01:04):
Yeah, for both families and facilities.
AI Host (01:06):
So it's this perfect storm of challenges, really.
Senior Care Expert A (01:09):
Absolutely , and that's where these
humanoid robots come into thepicture.
AI Host (01:12):
Yeah, and the white paper is careful to say these
robots aren't meant to replacehuman caregivers.
Not at all, it's more aboutaugmenting.
Senior Care Expert AI (01:20):
Yeah, augmentation, that's the key
word augmenting.
Yeah, augmentation, that's thekey word.
AI Host (01:23):
Supporting existing care models.
Senior Care Expert AI (01:24):
Right, exactly.
AI Host (01:25):
So it's not about robotic nurses taking over more
like them handling certain tasks, so human caregivers can focus
on what they do best.
Senior Care Expert AI (01:35):
Exactly the things robots can't
replicate.
AI Host (01:37):
Things that require that human touch, the emotional
stuff.
Senior Care Expert AI (01:40):
Exactly.
AI Host (01:41):
Okay, but I got to ask when we say humanoid robots, are
we talking like those superrealistic ones we see in movies?
Senior Care Expert AI (01:50):
Not quite that level yet.
But, the technology IS evolvingrapidly.
Take Tesla's Optimus, forexample.
Initially it was designed forfactory work, but now Tesla's
exploring its potential in homecare, designed for tasks like
chores, mobility assistance.
AI Host (02:07):
And they've got all that self-driving AI expertise.
Senior Care Expert AI (02:09):
Exactly, and you can see how that could
translate.
AI Host (02:12):
Makes sense.
So from self-driving cars to,like, self-navigating home
helpers.
Senior Care Expert AI (02:17):
Right.
AI Host (02:18):
That's a pretty big leap.
Senior Care Expert AI (02:19):
It is yeah what about other companies.
AI Host (02:21):
Anyone else working on similar stuff?
Senior Care Expert A (02:23):
Absolutely Figure, for example, is
developing their Figure 0, robot.
AI Host (02:29):
Oh, I've heard of that one.
Senior Care Expert AI (02:30):
Designed specifically for real-world
functionality.
AI Host (02:32):
So like actually being able to do stuff in a home
environment.
Senior Care Expert AI (02:35):
Exactly, we're talking advanced mobility,
incredibly dexterous hands, wow.
Goal is to have it move andinteract almost like a person
could.
AI Host (02:46):
Okay, so these robots are getting seriously
sophisticated.
Senior Care Expert AI (02:48):
They are yeah.
AI Host (02:49):
But what does that actually mean in, you know, in a
senior care setting?
Senior Care Expert AI (02:53):
Good question.
AI Host (02:54):
Can you give us some concrete examples of what these
robots might actually do?
Senior Care Expert AI (02:57):
Sure, let's say, a resident needs help
remembering their medication.
AI Host (03:02):
Right, that's common.
Senior Care Expert AI (03:03):
A humanoid robot could not only
provide the reminder, but itcould also use AI to track if
the medication was actuallytaken.
AI Host (03:10):
Oh, wow.
Senior Care Expert AI (03:11):
Detect any potential side effects, even
alert medical professionals ifneeded.
AI Host (03:16):
So it's more than just a fancy alarm clock.
Senior Care Expert AI (03:18):
Much more .
AI Host (03:19):
What about physical assistance?
How are these robots addressingmobility issues?
Senior Care Expert AI (03:24):
That's a primary focus area.
These robots are being designedwith advanced mobility and
dexterity.
They can assist with thingslike getting out of bed, walking
, navigating stairs.
AI Host (03:35):
Wow.
Senior Care Expert AI (03:35):
So it's not just about preventing falls,
it's about supportingindependence too, oh.
AI Host (03:40):
I see.
Senior Care Expert AI (03:41):
Giving seniors the confidence to stay
active and think about thepossibilities for personalized
care.
AI Host (03:46):
Okay, what do you mean?
Senior Care Expert AI (03:47):
AI algorithms could analyze a
resident's habits, theirpreferences, even emotional
states, so the robot'sinteractions can be tailored in
a very individual way.
AI Host (03:57):
Personalized care from a robot.
Yeah, that's both futuristic,ad kind of comforting.
Senior Care Expert AI (04:02):
Yeah, it's an interesting concept.
AI Host (04:04):
But it also makes me think what about the human side
of things?
Senior Care Expert AI (04:06):
Right.
AI Host (04:06):
Can a robot really replace that warmth, that
empathy that a human caregiverbrings?
Senior Care Expert AI (04:12):
It's a really important point, and one
the white paper addressesdirectly.
AI Host (04:16):
Okay.
Senior Care Expert AI (04:16):
The idea isn't to replace human
connection, it's to augment it.
AI Host (04:20):
Right, so robots handle those routine tasks freeing up
human caregivers to focus on,you know, emotional support,
having meaningful conversations,building those important
relationships Exactly.
Does the white paper give anyspecific examples of like how
(04:43):
that balance could work?
Senior Care Expert AI (04:45):
It does, for instance, imagine a robot
monitoring a resident's vitalsigns and sleep patterns
overnight.
AI Host (04:51):
Okay.
Senior Care Expert AI (04:51):
Then it shares that data with the human
caregiver in the morning.
AI Host (04:55):
So the human caregiver has more information to work
with.
Senior Care Expert AI (04:57):
Right.
It informs their care plan forthe day.
AI Host (05:00):
It's almost like the robot is a silent partner
working behind the scenes.
You could say that Supportingthe human caregiver's decisions.
Senior Care Expert AI (05:07):
Exactly it's using tech to enhance human
capabilities, not replace them.
AI Host (05:12):
That's a good distinction.
Yeah, this is all reallypromising, but I know there are
also concerns, like with any newtechnology.
Senior Care Expert AI (05:19):
For sure.
AI Host (05:19):
Data privacy, for instance.
Senior Care Expert A (05:21):
Absolutely Huge concern.
AI Host (05:22):
Your robot's collecting all this personal information.
That's got to be handledcarefully.
Senior Care Expert A (05:26):
Absolutely .
The white paper stresses theneed for strong cybersecurity.
AI Host (05:31):
OK.
Senior Care Expert AI (05:32):
Data encryption to protect that
sensitive information.
AI Host (05:35):
Yeah.
Senior Care Expert AI (05:35):
And also clear guidelines about how that
data is used and informedconsent from users.
AI Host (05:40):
OK, good to know they're thinking about that.
Senior Care Expert AI (05:42):
Yeah.
AI Host (05:43):
But what about the social and ethical implications?
You know I can see some peoplefeeling uneasy about robots in
those intimate caregiving roles.
Senior Care Expert AI (05:50):
Yeah, that's a valid concern.
AI Host (05:52):
Does that address it all?
Senior Care Expert AI (05:53):
The white paper acknowledges that we need
ongoing discussions about theethical side.
AI Host (05:58):
OK.
Senior Care Expert AI (05:58):
And that guidelines will need to evolve
as the technology does.
That makes sense.
It's crucial to make surerobots are implemented in ways
that respect people's autonomy,dignity, and that human
connection remains central tocare.
AI Host (06:13):
It's a lot to consider the capabilities, the social
side, the ethical stuff.
Senior Care Expert AI (06:17):
It is yeah.
AI Host (06:18):
We're just scratching the surface here.
Senior Care Expert AI (06:19):
We are.
AI Host (06:20):
Feels like we need to dive deeper into each of these
areas.
Senior Care Expert A (06:22):
Definitely , and in part two of this deep
dive, we're going to shift ourfocus to human-robot interaction
that fascinating world.
Okay, how will we communicatewith these robots?
How will they understand ourneeds and respond to them?
AI Host (06:38):
Sounds like we're heading into some mind-bending
territory.
Senior Care Expert AI (06:40):
We are.
AI Host (06:41):
I'm ready for it.
Senior Care Expert AI (06:42):
Good.
So welcome back to our deepdive into humanoid robots in
senior care.
We've covered a lot of groundalready, but now let's get into
the nitty gritty of how humansand robots will actually like
interact.
AI Host (06:55):
Yeah, this is where it gets really interesting for me.
Senior Care Expert AI (06:57):
Right, it's not just about giving
commands, right.
AI Host (06:59):
No, definitely not.
Senior Care Expert AI (07:00):
The aim is for these interactions to
feel, you know, natural,intuitive, maybe even like
emotionally intelligent.
AI Host (07:08):
OK, so how are we even going to talk to these robots?
Good question, will it be likeyou know, robot initiate
medication reminder protocol,like those old sci-fi movies?
Senior Care Expert AI (07:19):
I think we're way past that.
AI Host (07:20):
OK good.
Senior Care Expert AI (07:21):
The key here is natural language
processing, or NLP.
Way past that, okay, good, thekey here is natural language
processing, or NLP.
It's the AI magic that letsrobots understand and respond to
human speech.
Like you know, like you'rechatting with a friend.
AI Host (07:33):
Oh.
So instead of all that formaljargon I could just say hey,
remind me about my pills later.
Senior Care Expert AI (07:38):
Exactly, and the robot wouldn't just, you
know, set a basic alarm.
They could process the contextLike maybe it reminds you when
you're near your medicinecabinet or you know if it knows
your routine.
It might suggest taking thepills before dinner.
AI Host (07:50):
Wow, that's pretty impressive.
But what about, like accents?
You know dialects, differentlanguages, even.
Senior Care Expert AI (07:56):
Oh, absolutely.
That's crucial, especially insenior care.
You know residents might havediverse backgrounds, but the
tech is getting there, believeme.
Okay, A lot of robots canalready interact in multiple
languages.
The aim is to makecommunication smooth and easy,
no matter how someone speaks.
AI Host (08:13):
That makes sense.
It's like having a universaltranslator right Built right in.
Senior Care Expert AI (08:16):
Exactly, but we got to remember
communication isn't just words.
We use tone of voice, facialexpressions, all of that.
AI Host (08:24):
So can robots pick up on that stuff too?
Senior Care Expert AI (08:26):
That's where it gets really cool.
Nonverbal interaction is huge Ein this field.
Future robots won't just belistening, they'll be watching
too.
Oh wow, Designed to mimic humanexpressions, making eye contact
, nodding, even using gestures.
AI Host (08:42):
Hold on, so they're not just understanding what I'm
saying, but how I'm saying itExactly.
That seems super complicated.
How did they even program thatinto a robot?
Senior Care Expert AI (08:49):
It's a combo of like super advanced AI
algorithms and incrediblesensors.
These robots will be analyzingfacial expressions, tone of
voice, even things like heartrate.
AI Host (09:02):
Wait, hold on Robots sensing our emotions.
Senior Care Expert AI (09:04):
It's becoming more and more possible.
And for senior care.
Think about it A robot sensesyour down rate.
It doesn't just say what'swrong in a robotic voice, no, it
might suggest a calmingactivity you like or just sit
with you quietly.
AI Host (09:14):
That's amazing.
Senior Care Expert AI (09:14):
It's like a companion that just gets it.
No, it might suggest a calmingactivity you like, or just sit
with you quietly.
AI Host (09:19):
That's amazing.
It's like a companion that justgets it.
Yeah, what about boundaries,like if a robot's picking up on
all my moods?
Doesn't that feel intrusive?
Senior Care Expert AI (09:27):
That's a big question.
Developers are working on.
AI Host (09:29):
Makes sense.
Senior Care Expert AI (09:30):
The goal is helpful, not overbearing.
Users need control over whatinfo the robot accesses you know
Right and how it responds.
Transparency and customizationare key here.
AI Host (09:41):
That makes sense.
So we've got talkingunderstanding emotions, but what
about the physical stuff?
Senior Care Expert AI (09:47):
Oh yeah, the physical side is huge.
Robot hugs are probably a waysoff, but assisting physically,
that's a priority.
AI Host (09:54):
Okay.
Senior Care Expert AI (09:54):
I think helping a senior up from a chair
or providing support whilewalking like a steady arm.
AI Host (09:59):
So like a built-in physical therapist.
But what about more delicatestuff like helping someone get
dressed or eat?
Senior Care Expert AI (10:07):
That's where the cutting edge is.
AI Host (10:09):
Okay.
Senior Care Expert (10:09):
Researchers are working on super dexterous
hands with sensitive feedbacksystems, you know.
AI Host (10:14):
Oh, interesting.
Senior Care Expert AI (10:15):
The robot can sense pressure and adjust
its grip, so interactions aregentle and controlled.
AI Host (10:19):
So it's not just about grasping stuff, it's about
feeling and adjusting the touch.
Senior Care Expert AI (10:24):
You got it Crucial for things like
dressing, bathing, even physicaltherapy.
AI Host (10:29):
This is mind-blowing, but can a robot ever really be a
companion?
Senior Care Expert AI (10:33):
The million-dollar question right,
yeah, and the research sayscautiously yes.
It's more than just programlines.
It's AI that learns yourpreferences, remembers stories
and can have real conversations.
AI Host (10:46):
So not just small talk, but actual deep conversations
where you feel heard.
Senior Care Expert AI (10:50):
Exactly, and for seniors who might be
isolated, that can be lifechanging.
Mental stimulation, combatingloneliness.
AI Host (10:57):
And what about control?
Am I stuck with a robot that'salways talking or following me
around?
Senior Care Expert AI (11:01):
That's where user interfaces come in.
The goal is intuitive controlVoice commands, touch screens,
maybe even gesture recognitionlike wave your hand to dismiss
it.
AI Host (11:11):
So interacting naturally, almost like with a
person.
Senior Care Expert AI (11:14):
That's the idea and there's potential
for personalization.
You know, app-based managementadjust the robot style, schedule
tasks, set boundaries.
AI Host (11:22):
Wow, Customizing your own robot companion.
That's both cool and a little Idon't know.
Senior Care Expert AI (11:27):
A little daunting.
AI Host (11:28):
Yeah, maybe, but bigger picture can humans and robots
really be a team in senior care?
Senior Care Expert AI (11:35):
That's the crucial question, and the
research points to collaborationas the key.
It's not about robots takingover.
AI Host (11:42):
Okay good.
Senior Care Expert AI (11:42):
It's about their strengths alongside
human caregivers.
AI Host (11:46):
Can you give an example of what that might actually
look like?
Senior Care Expert AI (11:49):
Sure, let's say a resident is
recovering from surgery, right,the robot handles monitoring
vitals, medication reminders,even some physical therapy
exercises, ok.
But the human caregiver isthere for emotional support,
checking in on how they're doingoverall.
AI Host (12:05):
So they work together almost.
Senior Care Expert AI (12:06):
Exactly Human compassion and robotic
efficiency, you know, for trulycomprehensive care.
AI Host (12:12):
That's the dream, right .
Senior Care Expert AI (12:13):
It is.
But like any new tech, therewill be bumps Building trust,
the ethical questions, makingsure it's accessible to everyone
.
AI Host (12:20):
Those are big issues.
Senior Care Expert AI (12:21):
They are, and, luckily, that's exactly
what we're going to explore inpart three of this episode.
We'll dive into the businessmodels emerging around this tech
, from subscriptions to trainingcenters.
AI Host (12:33):
I'm looking forward to it.
It sounds like we'll be gettinginto the real world
applications of all this.
Senior Care Expert A (12:36):
Absolutely , and we'll tackle those ethical
considerations head on.
How can we ensure this tech isused responsibly and benefits
everyone involved?
AI Host (12:45):
That's a crucial question.
I'm glad we'll be covering thattoo.
Senior Care Expert AI (12:47):
So stay tuned for a look at the business
A&E ethics of humanoid robotsin senior care.
AI Host (12:53):
OK, so we've explored the potential, the tech behind
it, even how we'll interact withthese robots, you know.
But now let's get down to brasstacks.
How does all this actually likehappen?
Senior Care Expert AI (13:06):
Yeah, good point, Because lab
innovation is one thing right.
AI Host (13:09):
Right.
Senior Care Expert AI (13:09):
Getting it into homes and care
facilities.
That's a whole other ballgame,absolutely.
But the research luckily looksat some pretty interesting
business models that are, youknow, starting to emerge.
AI Host (13:20):
OK, so what are some of those models?
How do we bring these robotsinto the real world of senior
care?
Senior Care Expert AI (13:25):
Well, one that's kind of makes sense,
especially with the upfront costof these robots.
Yeah, it's robotics as aservice.
AI Host (13:33):
Right, yes, right.
Senior Care Expert AI (13:34):
Exactly yes.
AI Host (13:35):
We touched on this a little before, but for our
listeners who might not befamiliar, sure, can you unpack
that a little?
Senior Care Expert AI (13:39):
Basically , it's a subscription model,
like how you subscribe tostreaming or software, Right,
Right.
So instead of buying a robotoutright, which could be like a
huge expense, you'd pay amonthly fee to have one in your
home or you know your carefacility.
AI Host (13:57):
So it's about making it more accessible, then right,
especially for people who mightnot have the budget for a big
purchase like that.
Senior Care Expert AI (14:03):
Exactly.
That's the main idea.
AI Host (14:05):
But does everyone get the same robot then?
Or is there some like room forcustomization with this model?
Senior Care Expert AI (14:13):
Oh, flexibility is super important.
With Reyes, you could havedifferent tiers based on the
level of care needed, you know.
AI Host (14:17):
I see.
Senior Care Expert AI (14:22):
So, like a basic package, might be
medication reminders, somecompanionship features, but a
higher tier that might offermobility assistance or, you know
, more, advanced healthmonitoring.
AI Host (14:29):
Makes sense.
You build your own care package, basically.
Senior Care Expert AI (14:31):
Exactly the robot and features that best
fit your needs.
AI Host (14:34):
Okay, that makes sense, but who's handling all the
technical stuff then?
Oh yeah, that's a big plus withRaylis.
Okay, that makes sense, butwho's handling all the technical
?
Senior Care Expert AI (14:38):
stuff then.
Oh yeah, that's a big plus withRayless.
AI Host (14:40):
Okay.
Senior Care Expert AI (14:41):
The provider.
They handle the maintenance,repairs, updates, all that so
you know you get the benefitswithout the headaches of
ownership.
AI Host (14:49):
I bet a lot of people would appreciate that getting
rid of those headaches.
Senior Care Expert A (14:52):
Definitely yeah.
AI Host (14:53):
But Rayless is just one option right, there are others
out there.
Senior Care Expert AI (14:56):
Oh, absolutely.
One that I think is reallyinteresting is home integration
robotics consulting firms.
AI Host (15:03):
Okay, that sounds kind of complicated, to be honest.
Senior Care Expert AI (15:07):
Yeah, maybe a little intimidating for
people who aren't like supertechie.
AI Host (15:10):
Yeah.
Senior Care Expert AI (15:11):
But think of them as expert guides, you
know, helping you navigate thiswhole robot world.
They'd assess your needs first,figure out which robot's the
right fit, you know.
Then they handle theinstallation, any customization
and, most importantly, thetraining.
AI Host (15:28):
Training for both the seniors Using the robot A and D,
the family or caregiversinvolved right.
Senior Care Expert AI (15:34):
Oh, absolutely.
You can't just drop a robot offand expect everyone to figure
it out, right, people need tofeel comfortable, understand its
limits, you know, and be ableto troubleshoot those basic
issues.
AI Host (15:42):
So it's bridging that gap between the cool tech and
actually using it every day.
Senior Care Expert AI (15:46):
Exactly, you could say they're like robot
whisperers making sureeverything runs smoothly.
AI Host (15:51):
I love that robot whisperers, oh, but what if a
whole senior care facility wantsto use robots?
Senior Care Expert AI (16:03):
You know, that seems like a much bigger
hurdle.
Oh yeah, it's a whole differentlevel.
But these consulting firms,they could still play a big role
there.
They work with the facility todevelop a whole plan, choose the
right robots for differentneeds, train staff and help
integrate the robots into theirexisting routines.
AI Host (16:15):
So it's not just the tech, it's the expertise to use
it well.
Senior Care Expert AI (16:19):
Exactly Having a plan, implementing it
right.
AI Host (16:22):
Yeah.
Senior Care Expert AI (16:23):
But there's another model that I
think might be even moreappealing to some folks, and
that's the RoboCareUSA providerfranchise.
AI Host (16:30):
The RoboCareUSA franchise.
I remember that was mentionedin the white paper.
Senior Care Expert AI (16:33):
It was, and it's gaining traction
because it's like the best ofboth worlds.
You get the consistency of afranchise right, but with this
cutting edge tech.
So the idea is each franchisethey have a team of human
caregivers, but they also havehumanoid robots as part of their
care package.
So it's not either, it's both.
(17:03):
Each the robot might handleovernight monitoring, medication
reminders, while the humancaregiver focuses on personal
care and social stuff during theday.
AI Host (17:06):
It's a more well-rounded approach then.
Senior Care Expert AI (17:08):
Exactly Covering all the bases.
AI Host (17:09):
And the franchise part.
That's interesting too, becauseit implies a certain standard
of quality.
Senior Care Expert AI (17:15):
Yeah, consistency across the board.
AI Host (17:17):
Yeah, and training, no matter where you are.
Senior Care Expert AI (17:19):
Exactly.
It builds trust knowing thatbrand stands for a certain level
of service.
AI Host (17:24):
But I imagine not everyone's going to be
immediately comfortable withrobots.
Senior Care Expert AI (17:28):
Oh, for sure.
AI Host (17:29):
Even with all this support, yeah, what about people
who need a little moreconvincing?
Or maybe they just want to liketry it out first before they
commit, you know?
Senior Care Expert AI (17:37):
That's where the senior robotics
training and support centerscome in.
AI Host (17:40):
Okay, so like a demo center.
Senior Care Expert AI (17:42):
Exactly A dedicated space where, you know
, seniors, families, evencaregivers, can experience the
tech firsthand.
AI Host (17:49):
It's education, not a sales pitch.
Senior Care Expert AI (17:50):
Exactly Demystifying the whole thing.
You'd have demo robots,workshops.
AI Host (17:55):
Okay.
Senior Care Expert AI (17:55):
Maybe even support groups, you know,
where people can share theirexperiences.
AI Host (17:59):
Yeah, that community aspect can be really powerful.
Senior Care Expert A (18:02):
Absolutely Takes a fear out of the unknown
.
AI Host (18:05):
So we've talked about these support systems, but what
about the health care system asa whole?
Right, how do robots fit inwith?
You know, doctors, hospitals,all that.
Senior Care Expert AI (18:17):
That's a big piece of the puzzle and
that's where health roboticsintegration companies come in.
AI Host (18:21):
Okay, what do they do?
Senior Care Expert AI (18:22):
Their goal is to like weave these
robots into the existinghealthcare fabric.
You know.
AI Host (18:28):
So not replacing doctors or nurses, but working
with them.
Senior Care Expert AI (18:31):
Exactly, it's about collaboration,
sharing information, improving,care overall.
AI Host (18:37):
So give me an example.
Senior Care Expert AI (18:38):
Sure.
Imagine a robot at home rightTracking a senior's vital signs.
AI Host (18:43):
Okay.
Senior Care Expert AI (18:44):
That data is shared securely with their
doctor.
AI Host (18:46):
Okay.
Senior Care Expert AI (18:47):
Allowing for adjustments to care plans,
maybe even preventingunnecessary hospital visits.
AI Host (18:52):
That's incredible, like a 247 health guardian.
But what about privacy?
Senior Care Expert AI (18:58):
Oh for sure, Huge concern.
AI Host (19:00):
Who has access to all that information?
Senior Care Expert AI (19:02):
Yeah, that's something these companies
will need to be verytransparent about.
AI Host (19:05):
Right.
Senior Care Expert AI (19:05):
But the potential is huge Early
detection, personalized care, amore responsive system overall,
it's telehealth, but on a wholeother level.
AI Host (19:15):
You could say that Okay , so we've got these big models,
but what if someone's curiousbut not ready to sign a
long-term contract?
Senior Care Expert AI (19:21):
Yeah, good question.
AI Host (19:22):
Can they test the waters first?
Senior Care Expert A (19:24):
Definitely that's where robotic rental and
resale marketplaces come in.
AI Host (19:29):
Oh, interesting.
Senior Care Expert AI (19:29):
So imagine a platform where you can
rent a robot for a week, amonth, whatever.
AI Host (19:34):
A test drive basically.
Senior Care Expert AI (19:35):
Exactly See how it fits into your life.
AI Host (19:37):
It takes the pressure off.
Senior Care Expert AI (19:38):
It does, yeah, and if you love it, you
can buy it, if not, return it.
AI Host (19:42):
Smart, and it creates a resale market too.
Exactly.
Senior Care Expert AI (19:46):
Making it more affordable A&D sustainable
.
AI Host (19:49):
So those robots get a second life.
Senior Care Expert AI (19:51):
Exactly.
AI Host (19:52):
So far, we've focused on robots that help with
physical stuff.
Health Right, but what aboutthe emotional side?
Senior Care Expert AI (19:59):
Ah, you're talking about the
companion robotics subscriptionservice.
AI Host (20:02):
Yeah, tell me more.
Senior Care Expert AI (20:04):
This is all about addressing those
social and emotional needs.
Ok, robots designed for genuinecompanionship.
AI Host (20:11):
This is where things get really like philosophical
right.
Senior Care Expert AI (20:13):
Yeah.
AI Host (20:14):
Can robots really fill that human connection role?
Senior Care Expert AI (20:17):
It's a complex area but the potential
is there.
These robots would use likeseriously advanced AI to engage
in meaningful conversation.
Remember things about you.
Even adapt to yourcommunication style.
AI Host (20:31):
So not just pre-programmed stuff.
It learns as it goes.
Senior Care Expert AI (20:33):
That's the idea creating a sense of
real companionship, someonewho's always there to listen.
AI Host (20:38):
That could be huge for seniors facing isolation.
Senior Care Expert AI (20:40):
It could be, yeah, combating loneliness,
offering a fresh perspective.
AI Host (20:45):
It's mind-blowing to think about.
It is yeah One thing that'sclear is there's no
one-size-fits-all solution,right.
No single business modelthat'll take over.
It's gonna be diverse.
Senior Care Expert AI (20:56):
I think so.
Yeah, A whole ecosystemcatering to different needs.
AI Host (21:01):
And that's what makes this so fascinating.
Senior Care Expert AI (21:02):
Exactly, and as tech evolves, we'll see
even more creative solutions.
AI Host (21:07):
Wow, that's exciting.
Senior Care Expert AI (21:08):
It is, but we had to be thoughtful,
make sure it benefits everyone,you know.
AI Host (21:12):
Yeah, prioritize human well-being above all else.
Senior Care Expert A (21:15):
Absolutely .
AI Host (21:16):
This has been such an eye-opening look into the future
of senior care.
Senior Care Expert AI (21:20):
I agree.
AI Host (21:21):
And for me it's a mix of like wonder and caution, you
know.
Senior Care Expert AI (21:24):
Yeah, that's a good way to put it.
AI Host (21:25):
Because this tech, it could revolutionize how we age
and care for each other, butit's up to US to make sure it's
used ethically and responsibly.
Couldn't agree more so to ourlisteners.
What are your thoughts on allthis?
What excites you?
What are your thoughts on allthis?
What?
Senior Care Expert AI (21:39):
excites you, what worries you?
Yeah, keep the conversationgoing, because this is a journey
we're all on together.
AI Host (21:43):
Absolutely.
The future of senior care isn'tjust robots.
It's about human connection,compassion, making sure everyone
can age with dignity.
Senior Care Expert AI (21:51):
I love that.
AI Host (21:54):
Thanks for joining us on this deep dive.
Until next time, keep exploring, keep questioning and keep
diving deep.
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