Claire the Caregiver Bot

Jun 14

The pace of robotic and artificial intelligence advancements is remarkable. These innovations have the potential to help older adults live independently, safely, and with dignity. In this article, we introduce Claire, the Caregiver Bot, a groundbreaking solution to address the growing needs of older adults.

Today, most innovations in robotics are primarily focused on military and manufacturing applications. For instance, Tesla boasts an advanced assembly line that is 75% automated, allowing cars to be assembled by robots in less than 2.5 hours.

The field of artificial intelligence (AI) is experiencing exponential growth. An example of a significant breakthrough is the availability of ChatGPT from OpenChat since December 2022(1). ChatGPT is a natural language processing tool that enables human-like conversations and aids in various tasks such as composing emails, essays, and writing code(2).

The impact of these advancements on older adults and their caregivers is threefold.

They enable the provision of services that would otherwise be unavailable due to the scarcity of human caregivers.
Advancements in chatbot technology have the potential to alleviate social isolation among older adults
These advancements bring us closer to the realization of having personal assistant robots like the iconic Jetsons character, Rosie.

By the Numbers

The number of older adults is growing at a dramatic rate. Currently, approximately 54 million individuals, accounting for 16.8% of the population, are aged 65 and over(3). Projections estimate that by 2040, this number will reach 80 million, and by 2060, it will soar to 95 million(4). With 4.5 million direct care workers providing paid hands-on care and 34 million family caregivers, there simply aren't enough people to meet the caregiving demands.

This issue is further exacerbated by the fact that older adults are living longer while family sizes are decreasing. Additionally, current immigration policies restrict the influx of new direct care workers. Most of the existing direct care workers are immigrants, and the issue is compounded by their low annual salaries, which often fall below $35k in cities like NYC.

Robotic solutions present a viable approach to tackle the care crisis faced by millions of older adults. Currently in development, humanoid robots show promise in providing hands-on care. Projections suggest that by 2030, an estimated 3-5 million robots will be required to meet the demand(6). Although these robots are not yet available, given the rapid pace of advancement, it is only a matter of time before they become a reality.

A Friend to Reduce Social Isolation

Chatbots, which enable real-time text-based conversations, are a prime example of online technology services that have made significant progress in replicating natural human interaction using AI. Computer-generated voices further facilitate seamless communication for older adults. Amazon's Alexa serves as a notable example, with its voice recognition and AI capabilities enabling short but meaningful interactions. Another breakthrough is ElliQ.com, the first voice-operated care companion that allows genuine conversations between robots and older adults. Promising advancements like ChatGPT, Google's Bard, and Replika hint at the potential for incorporating more robust, personalized conversations into humanoid robots.

The rush to market humanoid robots is gaining momentum with various companies introducing their creations. Engineer Arts, a UK-based company, has developed Ameca(7), while Tesla has unveiled Optimus, also known as Tesla Bot(8). Figure.ai boasts the first commercial robot(9), and Sanctuary recently introduced Phoenix(10). Hanson Robotics is recognized for creating Sophia(11), often considered the first human-looking robot. Boston Dynamics, a renowned robotics company, has produced Atlas(12), a remarkable engineering feat and a solid research platform. According to reports, Elon Musk has stated that Optimus will be priced at $10,000(13).

MIT's research is shedding light on the fact that while performing acrobatic maneuvers like flipping backwards is impressive, the real challenge lies in replicating subtle movements that involve tasks such as grabbing a tissue or placing a cup under a faucet. MIT is exploring how these robots can provide meaningful assistance and interaction for older adults.

Rosie not Alexa

We’ve wished for that robotic assistant for a long time. Rosie (from the Jetsons) was the first robot to reach the mainstream back in the early sixties. She had opinions, did her job, and seemed like a member of the family. The Caregiver Bot that we seek is a lot like Rosie. In reality, it will fully integrate AI for conversation and movement. The robotic exoskeleton and artistry make the device seem human.

The Caregiver Bot is more than just a device on our counters. It’s the full deal – a humanoid robot that can walk, talk, and help. Of course, the tools that Alexa has in terms of searching, ordering, and remembering are all components that will need to be incorporated.

Today’s Humanoid Robots still have limitations.

Their footing is not perfect. Managing obstacles on the floor, such as shoes, cats, and crumpled rugs, is difficult.
While holding an egg is possible, doing something with it is still in development.
The strength of that grasp and the overall strength of the robot is still limited.
The strength of their grasp and overall power is limited.
Robots don’t have enough power to last a full day.
All of the great functionalities of each company's robot are not integrated into a single device. One may have the ability to avoid obstacles, another may have a strong grasp, and yet another may have a longer battery life. Plus, the integration of ChatBot functionality and Alexa-like assistant services is not yet there either.

Meet Claire The Caregiver Bot

Claire is our dream humanoid robot. She is the device that families or governments can purchase to help older adults live safely in the community for as long as possible. Claire provides her clients with all the domestic assistance a family could request. She monitors them, is available to talk, can conduct research to make conversations more engaging, makes phone calls, helps clients get out of bed, get washed, put on their clothes, cooks, cleans, does the laundry, and recharges herself. We all should have one.

She assists with all the activities of daily living (ADLs), which are the tasks that home care workers must accomplish during their shifts. Unlike direct care workers, Claire can be aware of and monitor her clients 24 hours a day.

Unfortunately, Claire does not exist yet. So, here are our requirements to guide any developer seeking to enrich the quality of life for older adults and help them age safely with dignity.

Conversation. From simple prompts such as "Good morning, how was your sleep?" to historically relevant conversations like, "In your hometown, Eureka, did you often go to the rodeo?" Using AI and search capabilities, engaging in conversation throughout the day and sometimes at night will be critical for the client’s social engagement. It’s worth noting that social isolation is considered as deadly as smoking.

Strength. Claire needs to be strong enough to help her clients out of bed and assist them if they fall. She needs to guide them from their bed to a wheelchair and help them off the toilet. She also needs to support them as they walk around their home.

Waterproof. The bathroom is a high-risk area for falls due to slippery surfaces and balance issues. Claire would need to accompany her client closely, providing support and assistance. This includes offering a hand while showering, helping with washing the client's back, and assisting them out of the tub. Claire would also be responsible for helping with personal hygiene after using the toilet, as well as soaking and washing clothes and dishes.

Dressing & Grooming. Claire's flexibility would enable her to kneel down and help her client put on socks. Her dexterity would allow her to fasten and unfasten a bra. She would attentively hold a mirror or assist with combing hair. Additionally, Claire would ensure that her client does not wear the same clothes repeatedly without washing them.

Eating. Claire would be knowledgeable about her client's favorite meals. She would start by retrieving frozen meals and placing them in the microwave. In the future, she may even be capable of ordering groceries for upcoming meals. Claire would prepare, cook, and serve the meals. As the relationship progresses, she might even feed her client, ensuring a light and friendly process. Afterward, Claire would clean up the dining area, including the dishes, and assist her client if needed.

Housekeeping. To prevent falls, Claire would maintain a well-organized home, ensuring nothing is left on the floor and checking that rugs do not pose a slipping hazard. She would open and close windows and shades to let in fresh air and sunlight. Claire would organize items that have been moved, returning games to their proper shelf. She would also handle dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and spot cleaning on rugs or upholstery.

Monitoring. Where is the client within their home? How are they moving throughout the home? Has their gait changed? Have they fallen? What is the temperature in the home? Are there changes in their mood? How often do they get out of bed to use the bathroom? How frequently are they eating or snacking? Simple tracking of a client throughout their home can provide valuable information about their health. For example, an increase in bathroom usage could indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI), which, if untreated, can lead to a visit to a skilled nursing home.

Assistant. With her voice-recognition capabilities, Claire would be able to respond to requests such as "Call Josie" or "Call my daughter," understanding her client's intended recipient. She could integrate schedules, such as Google Calendar, to announce upcoming activities or reminders about appointments. Using her search abilities, she could provide answers to inquiries like "Where did the Beatles get their start?" (The Beatles debuted at the Cavern Club in Liverpool in 1962.) Claire would assist with placing orders, such as hailing an Uber, requesting a Grubhub delivery, or ordering from Amazon. Furthermore, she could cast to a SmartTV, facilitating streaming or displaying pictures from family and friends. Claire would also be proactive in recognizing when to contact family or friends in case of any problems, such as a need for repairs, a fall, or a required adjustment to the home's temperature.

There are certain tasks that Claire should not be able to perform, such as administering medications. However, she would be capable of providing reminders to take medications and supplying water. Injecting insulin, for instance, would remain the responsibility of nursing professionals, and Claire would be aware of her limitations.

Caregivers perform numerous tasks, and their kindness and caring attitude are fundamental. Claire would embody these qualities, with a friendly and expressive face, engaging in warm conversations, and employing gentle maneuvering. Her presence would be a valuable addition to any home, particularly for older adults living alone.

While we have yet to achieve the complete vision of Claire, we remain hopeful that one day humanoid robots will be able to alleviate the stress faced by caregivers and provide assistance where current limitations exist.

Please note that ChatGPT was used to edit this article; impressively.

Endnotes/Sources

1) https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2022/12/openai-invites-everyone-to-test-new-ai-powered-chatbot-with-amusing-results/

2) https://www.zdnet.com/article/what-is-chatgpt-and-why-does-it-matter-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/

3) https://www.census.gov/topics/population/older-aging.html

4)https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/aging%20and%20Disability%20In%20America/2020Profileolderamericans.final_.pdf

5) https://www.ahip.org/resources/caregivers-in-america

6) https://www.nextbigfuture.com/2023/05/2023-overview-of-humanoid-robots.html

7) https://www.engineeredarts.co.uk/robot/ameca/

8) https://insideevs.com/news/667688/watch-improved-tesla-optimus-robot-walk-pick-up-stuff-without-help/

9) https://www.figure.ai/

10) https://www.sanctuary.ai/