Robotics exists today and is expanding into our lives at a very rapid rate. Robots are already available and used for performing independent cleaning, roving surveillance, and performing human functions (even driving).

There is a logical progression that robotic “Healthmates” or “‘Health Companions” will be available to help us around our homes and help monitor our well-being.  Since they are mobile, autonomous, have some intelligence, and can be linked to the System and other devices, they will be able to do a wide variety of personal and medical services.

 

While this site has no control over the design or configuration of any robotic Healthmates, for early development of these devices, the incorporation of a tablet could allow it to leverage off the tablet functions (including being the main control and monitoring center) plus many additional functions, supported by the System. Other implementations would also work, since there are common Object interfaces and methods.

 

This is a list of some of the tasks that could be incorporated into a user nameable ‘Health Companion”

 

• Home Security Monitoring

 

• Home Control Systems

 

• Companion (reading, manage scheduling, checking on mental agility, interface for news and information, etc.)

 

• Meal Preparation/Cleaning

 

• Getting and verifying medicines and treatments

 

• Basic medical procedures

 

• Remote Presence (anywhere) for a guardian, call center, or health professional

 

• Inventory and ordering (food, pills, toiletries, other items)

 

• Temperature and general health (IR for environment and individuals temperature, facial recognition for anxiety or pain, activity monitoring (amount of time spent moving or not moving if expected), extremity movement (ratings of the person walking, sitting/standing, grabbing in the morning, when they get out of a chair, evening))

 

• Respond to auditable commands for assistance, or non-response

 

• Additional diagnostic monitoring

 

• Robotic transportation and delivery

 

• Another feature could include Search and Rescue Robotic Devices that  can be equipped with audio, camera, video for two way visual communication, light, “tricorder”, network repeater, “RF or other location technology”, Telemedicine, and visual issue recognition tools

 

Additional helper devices (some already exist) to assist in bathing, going up stairs, assisting in standing up or sitting down, can also be incorporated.