In a pilot project at an elderly home in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, robots are being used to assist humans as caretakers and companions of the elderly.
In the next five years, robots are expected to play a major role in the care of the country's elderly, according to the national robotics industry development guideline.
An article by technologynewschina.com said that the Ah Tie robots were first used for a pilot project by Hangzhou's social welfare center in May. Each robot, which weighs about 15 kilograms and stands about 80 centimeters tall, uses two 5-megapixel cameras for identifying and monitoring patients. The robot is controlled by a mobile app.
According to its creator, the Ah Tie robots were designed to collect more data from patients at the social welfare center during its trial period. Thepaper.cn reported that the additional data gathered by the robot will be used to develop better health analysis and will be used for remote medical services.
According to Zhao Huyue, deputy director of the center, Ah Tie robots were used only to provide support to human healthcare workers by issuing regular reminders or medical data.
Zhao added that since the robots can also dance and play, it will provide entertainment to people staying at the center and thus enrich their social lives. The robots can also conduct basic conversation with people, he added.
China Daily reported in May, that the center has five robots, which serve about 1,300 seniors. The robots help both the senior and the staff in various daily tasks, such reminding the seniors when to take their medicines.
"The average age of these seniors is more than 84," Zhao said. "They often forget to take their medicines, or they take more than what is prescribed."
In China, a growing number of senior citizens are either being left to live by themselves at home or brought into rest homes. In the future, robots may be able to help people at home, especially those living alone, the report said.
"Robots may be able to help with bathing and other basic tasks in the near future, but we must also pay attention to family relationships and emotional bonds," Zhao said.