Santarém Tests Humanoid Robot for Elderly Care

The Portuguese city of Santarém is set to test a humanoid robot in elderly care, specifically in home care, day centers, and nursing homes. The project aims to evaluate the contribution of artificial intelligence in caring for the elderly. The robot in question is the Unitree R1, a Chinese model that has caught the attention of Luís Jacob, director of the Longevity, Innovation and Public Policy Chair. He believes this equipment could bring significant benefits in supporting elderly care.

The Longevity, Innovation and Public Policy Chair at the Polytechnic University of Santarém is seeking funding to conduct the trial. According to Luís Jacob, the robot could cost between 10,000 and 50,000 euros, not including maintenance, training, technical assistance, and subscription fees. He notes that for most social institutions, investment in such equipment would only be possible with external financing and support. The goal is to develop applied research with social institutions, testing various functions of the robot.

Luís Jacob, also president of the Santarém District Union of Private Social Solidarity Institutions, emphasizes that there are no private social solidarity institutions in Portugal currently using such equipment in their daily operations. However, there have been experiences in the healthcare sector. Examples from the United States and Singapore demonstrate the potential of robots in elderly care. In the US, the ElliQ robot engages in conversations with elderly individuals, suggests activities, and facilitates family contacts. In Singapore, autonomous robots transport meals and medication.

For Portugal, Luís Jacob prioritizes solutions that enable people to stay at home, facilitate communication, and free professionals from repetitive tasks. He notes that international experiences require adaptations. The robot could complement home care services by providing reminders, alert systems, routine monitoring, and communication with family members. This could allow elderly individuals to stay in their homes for longer periods. Jacob highlights that the robot can be present 24/7, unlike home care workers who typically visit for only a few hours a day.

While the robot can offer conversation and stimulation, Luís Jacob stresses that it does not replace human relationships or resolve loneliness. He warns that if the robot is used as an excuse for reduced visits or support, technology is being misused. The goal is to use technology to reinforce existing services, not replace them. Jacob also believes that artificial intelligence can improve the organization of schedules, records, and logistics in institutions, freeing up time for care without replacing professional decisions.

These topics will be discussed at the International Congress "Beyond the Home: Solutions for Aging in Community," scheduled for November 18 in Santarém. The event, organized by the Longevity, Innovation and Public Policy Chair, will bring together Portuguese and foreign specialists to discuss robotics, artificial intelligence, collaborative housing, and alternatives to nursing homes. The congress will also present the Virtual Senior University 4.0 project, which combines online classes, digital content, and social interaction.

Luís Jacob concludes that the central question is not how many robots can be installed but whether people will live with more autonomy, safety, participation, and meaningful relationships. The trial in Santarém aims to provide insights into the effective benefits of humanoid robots in elderly care. Key points include the potential for robots to support home care, the need for financing and support for social institutions, and the importance of human relationships in elderly care.

Key points

• The trial will assess the robot's ability to support elderly care in various settings.
• The project aims to evaluate the contribution of artificial intelligence in caring for the elderly.
• The robot could cost between 10,000 and 50,000 euros.