Artificial Intelligence has the potential to transform adult social care by improving the quality, efficiency, and personalization of care services. Learn what could the future look like.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the creation of computer systems that can perform tasks requiring human-like intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. AI uses technologies like machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision to analyze data, recognize patterns, and improve its performance over time. While Narrow AI is designed for specific tasks like voice recognition or recommendation systems, General AI, which could handle a wide range of tasks similar to human intelligence, remains a theoretical goal. AI is increasingly applied across various sectors to enhance efficiency and innovation.
The possible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics is a relatively new development for the delivery of social care. Evidence suggests there are currently a limited number of robots being used or in development within social care but its development is growing, with many seeing it’s use as a key part of how the sector will adapt to increasing needs in the future. Robotics and AI can be broadly categorised into the following groups.
- Physical assistance robots (PAR)
- Socially assistive robotics
- Cognitive assistance robots (CARs)
Physical assistance robots (PAR)
Physical assistance robots (PAR) These perform discreet tasks including lifting and carrying to support people who need care and support. Some PARs have been designed to operate independently from the care workforce and others to support them to undertake physical tasks associated with performing their care role.
Example: Obi is a robotic arm that allows people with physical disabilities to feed themselves and restore in the process a sense of dignity that might otherwise risk being lost
Socially assistive robotics
These robots have the ability to help people through individual non-contact assistance in convalescence, rehabilitation, training and education.
- Service robots support activities of daily living.
- Companion robots are more generally associated with improving the psychological status and overall wellbeing of its users.
Example: 'Pepper' is the first humanoid robot capable of recognising the principal human emotions and adapting its behaviour to the mood of the person interacting with it. Pepper was launched in the UK 2016 has been designed to identify emotions and to select the behaviour best suited to the situation.
Cognitive assistance robots (CARs)
These can support users in performing cognitive tasks with the potential to support people with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive impairments.
- They can use chatbots* as part of their customer interface.
- They have the potential to aid carers and people who use care services to monitor and self-manage their care.
- They identify at an early stage behaviours or symptoms that may require professional intervention and support.
Example: Hector is a fully autonomous robot designed to play the role of a companion for elderly people living alone or spending many hours of the day alone. The robot aims to help them remain independent, secure, fit and happy through fall detection mechanisms integrated with emergency calls or remote monitoring services. Users interact with Hector directly through voice commands and a large touch screen. *A chatbot is a computer programme with conducts a conversation via audio or text. They are used to simulate how a human would behave in a conversation.
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