The idea of robots assisting humans in their professional pursuits may not be as futuristic as it seems. Scientists from a research group at the School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities (EACH) at USP, working in the area of Information Systems and Gerontology, are programming social robots or company robots who help with daily activities, such as caring for the elderly. The machines simulate human actions and can help in the social engagement and quality of life of elderly people with cognitive problems and depression.
The EACH researchers were supported by the Artificial Intelligence Center (C4AI) – the result of a partnership between IBM, FAPESP and USP – to bring together social robots and the elderly population. The ease of accessing Gerontology course researchers through the EACH campus facilitated the project. “We thought it would be a good environment to develop the research, because we would have professionals and researchers who understand interaction with the elderly”, says Sarajane Marques Peres, a member of the EACH and C4AI research group.
In all, the group of scientists at EACH is adapting robots for three projects with the elderly. The first case involves elderly people with a mild degree of dementia in nursing homes, so that smart machines can help their cognitive development through playful activities. From future tests with songs and conversations, “we hope to see an improvement in the cognitive engagement of the elderly with the robot”, observes Marcelo Fantinato, professor and member of the EACH research group.
The second hypothesis raised is that robots can help depressive elderly people who live alone. The machine would provide playful tasks and generate protocols that would serve to assess the degree of depression in the elderly. “The robot does not provide diagnosis because that is the role of doctors. It only indicates the level of the disease and, with that, the person can be referred to the proper care”, says Fantinato.
However, adjustments are still needed so that the person can live safely and autonomously with the robot in their home. “A lot of research and development needs to be done on this particular project. For now, we are testing the functionality of these activities”, explains the EACH professor. Once these tests are completed – scheduled for 2023 -, the use of artificial intelligence with seniors from the USP 60+ in the EACH laboratories.
self-criticism
The third project is based on self-criticism. The hypothesis raised is that the personification of a robot influences the interaction with technology. “We need to understand the level of confidence with this technology and its insertion in their daily lives”, says Sarajane. “The result of this study may interfere with the others, because we can conclude that the elderly do not trust robots and, therefore, we would seek to increase this trust”, explains Professor Fantinato.
With the covid-19 pandemic, practical tests were postponed. “We interacted with robots before the pandemic, with people from the USP 60+ and with the support of psychologists, but we only managed to obtain a few impressions”, observes Sarajane. The interaction between robots and elderly people is scheduled for 2023.
In an interview with USP Journal, Sarajane talks about how receptive the elderly are to new technology. “We had two types of reactions: a very positive one, with people wanting to have these robots in their homes, and a negative one, saying that they do not replace human relationships”, she says. In addition, the researcher explains that ephemerality can be a problem. “At first, it’s cool because it’s new. And then that can change, ”she adds.
The project has two lines of robots. One is from the foreign brand Asus and the other from the Brazilian company Human Robotics. The difference interferes with the use of each machine. “Since Human is a Brazilian company, interaction and autonomy are greater with it. If we have a problem, she helps to fix it”, says Sarajane. The scientists have been working with the Brazilian robot Robios, from Human. In addition, programming languages change, along with data storage.
Human Robotics demands the protection of the data of people who use robots. “The company is committed not to disclose the data, so when it gives us the information storage service, it has this protection protocol”, explains Sarajane.
To USP Journal, the researchers explain the importance of these technological initiatives at the University. “If we don’t educate and create situations, they will be imposed by another culture”, observes Sarajane. “Our role is to work on this autonomy in the Brazilian context and prepare society”, she adds. “I would also highlight the advantage of being in an environment that favors the development of this type of project, which is USP”, emphasizes Fantinato.