Bochum.
Unlike surgical robots, for example, robots in care are highly controversial. Bochum experts test “Temi”, “Pepper” & Co on “skin and kidneys”.
Surgical robots have been helping surgeons in the infirmary for years – Robots in care are still controversial. But the key to solving the demographic problem? Robots will “certainly not” be able to replace human care workers, says Wolfgang Deiters, Professor of Health Technologies at the University of Health (hsg) in Bochum. But relieve them: that could work.
Deiters calls it the “rolling tea trolley”. “Temi” introduces himself as “Prof. Techno-Pflegi” praises his advantages: he is excellent at measuring fevers, arranging telephone conferences, bringing food. “Cooking for myself isn’t really my thing,” admits the service and interaction robot from medisana. For five years, Deiters and his team have been using “living” examples to test how such a robot could change everyday healthcare. The autonomously driving system, which can be controlled by voice, can measure blood pressure, play films, transmit messages, pick up and deliver services, rush to the aid of those who have fallen or carry the patient’s files after the nurse during rounds. “We are surprised how well it works and how diverse the possible uses are,” explains Deiters.
“Pepper”: an entertainment clown
Colleague “Pepper” is more humanoid, delighted with googly eyes. He can tell jokes, imitate animals, knows games and exercises, he giggles when tickled; even has hands with fingers on them. “But he can’t grasp,” says Deiters, “he’s an entertainment clown.” Three times as expensive as “Temi”, but less useful than the sober service robot, the students usually decide after getting to know it. Deiters sees “Peppers” as an opportunity in day-care facilities, in the long run the funny guy will probably get boring, he thinks: “He’s more of an intern than a companion for years!”
Even cuter than “Pepper” is the third type of robot that the hsg deals with, which is specifically designed for emotion. In Germany, for example, “Paro” crept into the hearts of people with dementia in senior centers in Cologne and Paderborn, making people smile who had never been seen smiling. However, Deiters considers that the cute seal is used for occupational therapy in its native Japan for a “terrible care model”. He also finds it “ethically questionable” when robots are humanized. “The resident must not mistake the robot for the deceased husband.”
“Every helping hand is helpful”
Changing bandages or washing patients: Deiters believes that care robots will never be able to. However, they are not useless: “When I see how many kilometers a nurse makes on duty, I can think of a lot of places where they could be useful.” The idea that care would eventually take place without human contact is also a nightmare for Alina Napetschnig. The young health scientist at hsg. But she suspects that it might be a robot that will one day put the support stockings on her. “That scares me a little. But we can have a little more confidence in these systems. Wherever we can use technology to relieve nursing staff, we should do so. That also creates time for discussions and closeness.”
In any case, the nursing staff who the hsg recently asked about the acceptance of robotics were unanimous: In view of the shortage of skilled workers, every helping hand is helpful.
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