Can Robots Tend your Kids or Elderly Relative?

Heck they are welcomed to look after my Mother in Law .
Only concern is would she bore them into destroying themselves.

Del

You sort of beat me to it but my MIL would simply melt them with vitreol....

What robots are making great strides? What robots are administering medicines? What robots are doing operations?

I suppose I might let the robot mow the grass or vacuum the carpets. It seems they can do that.

As far as taking care of my children, or an elderly relative, I don't yet know of a robot up to that sort of task on its own.

I do think they ought to be programed to run the spacestation and defend the planet.

Possibly when they can do that we'll talk about more intimate assignments.

Indeed, your well considered post makes me a tad embarassed at my flippant one.
A robot companion which could learn from the real human relatives is a good idea.

Del

Ron,

I thought your answer was well thought out. There may well be some situations that robots would perform well. Some toys have been programed to interact with children, so why can't robots be programed to interact with older people with deminished capacity.

I'm for it'

tommm

Dear Ron,

You have made a good point. I still do wonder what robots are around other than the pet type robots. You have pointed out even these would provide some benefit.

You may be interested in the HAL exoskeleton, for though it is not an autonomous robot it could well be of aid to caregivers who may need to lift and move the incapacitated.

I would pass on the pet robot for real pets. Ideally small dogs that are trained for the purpose. Unfortunately it is often considered, and rarely implemented. Pet therapy is a great idea. There are therapists who train them. Even caged birds, or aquariums would help. Unfortunately there may be various state and federal guidelines that make it scary for hospitals and nursing homes to implement pet therapy. Also, since it is an extra task, it is probably something they would rather find an excuse not to do. I think pet therapy would probably be more effective than any kind of robot therapy available in the near future, but am still in favor of working on companion robots. I have heard of "support" dogs, and monkeys that are specially trained, and have some legal status. My miniature poodle lays on a cushion, on my pull out keyboard tray, as I type this. All the best, Ron

I think that videos of children and old times might be helpful also. Severe dementia patients often like to talk about old times, and remember them vividly, but couldn't tell you your name or what they just ate.