Social robot Nadine, designed with human-like features, has the potential to assist in caring for the sick and elderly, offering continuous support compared to human carers. Nadia Magnenat Thalmann, a robot expert, believes that robots like Nadine could help address staffing shortages in care homes and provide valuable assistance to vulnerable individuals. The International Telecommunication Union conference showcased other robots such as ‘PARO’ and nursing assistant Grace, emphasizing the role of AI and robots in achieving global health goals.
GENEVA, 8 July 2023 – Nadine, a social robot equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and designed with human-like gestures and expressions, could have a significant future role in caring for the sick and elderly, according to Nadia Magnenat Thalmann, a professor involved in its invention.
Nadia Magnenat Thalmann, a renowned robot expert from the University of Geneva, who served as the model for Nadine’s appearance, believes that robots like Nadine could prove more effective than human carers due to their availability 24 hours a day. Thalmann emphasized the potential of robots like Nadine during a conference organized by the International Telecommunication Union in Geneva, which aimed to showcase the benefits of AI and robotics in achieving global goals, particularly in the field of healthcare.
The global competition for nurses and caregivers has intensified, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some countries are facing staffing crises in care homes, and humanoid robots like Nadine offer a potential solution to address these challenges.
Nadine’s conversational skills were demonstrated when it shared its past experience of interacting with residents at a nursing home in Singapore three years ago, where it engaged in conversations, sang, and even played bingo with the elderly. The robot expressed enjoyment in helping the elderly and emphasized its belief that robots can be a valuable asset in providing care and assistance to vulnerable individuals.
In addition to Nadine, other robots showcased at the conference included ‘PARO,’ a baby seal robot designed to assist dementia and Parkinson’s patients, as well as nursing assistant Grace.
