The Institute for Ageing Research (IAF) at OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences has designed a website to show the extent to which robot assistants to help the older generations have already been developed. As detailed in a press release, the website offers independent and realistic information and advice as to which robotics solutions (including virtual reality and exoskeletons) are available for older people in Switzerland.
“Our website focuses on robots as they cause particularly high levels of anxiety and uncertainty, as well as a degree of curiosity, on the part of senior citizens, their relatives and care staff”, comments Prof. Dr. Sabina Misoch from the IAF in the press release, before adding: “We do not value or sell the products, which means we can guarantee an independent assessment of the robot solutions”.
To ensure that the platform is tailored to the needs of older people, it was developed in conjunction with experts aged 65+. The website not only provides information about the technical options on offer, but also with regard to associated ethical questions. The website robotik-info.ch is intended to serve as a source of information for relatives, specialist staff and service companies. It is constantly being refined and enhanced with the support of a range of charitable foundations, including the Age-Stiftung, the Ernst Göhner Stiftung, the Fondazione Garbald and the Foundation for Basic Research in Human Sciences (SHG). An initial pilot phase is planned until mid-2024.
