As John Denslinger explains, eldercare assistive robotics offer independence, safety and a better quality of life for our seniors when they need it most.
Among the world’s most developed nations, baby boomers represent a substantial share of the adult population, often exceeding 20 per cent. As they age, demand for long-term healthcare, retirement services and eldercare infrastructure also increases. By 2035, age 65 and over will approach 30 per cent. To avert widely expected shortages of trained caregivers, inadequate home-care infrastructures and strained public budgets for eldercare services, robots and AI are seen as practical countermeasures.
Assistive robotics may be the most visible sign of things to come. Demographics suggest the market for eldercare robotics will experience steady growth driven by increased demand for AI based caregiving solutions, robotic companions and assistive mobility aids. Future Market Insights projects the industry will grow from $3.2 billion in 2025 to $10.2 billion by 2035. That amounts to a 12.4 per cent CAGR over the 10-year forecast period.
A recent AARP survey found that 75 per cent of adults aged 50 and older would prefer aging-in-place. In-home assistive robotics not only makes that possible but prolongs individual independence without sacrificing safety. The following are the assistive options currently available.
• Companion robots provide mental stimulation and facilitate social interaction
• Personal care assistants manage medication schedules and assist with daily living activities like bathing, dressing and eating
• Mobility assistants aid movement and safe navigation
• Environmental monitoring assistants detect hazards and falls immediately alerting caregivers
• Domestic task assistants help with chores such as vacuuming, light cleaning and meal preparation
• Remote telepresence assistants enable remote monitoring and communications with seniors living alone by caregivers and healthcare professionals
Within the next two years look for greater 5G connectivity, predictive AI, machine learning and IoT integration. Between 2025 and 2035 eldercare will benefit from an infusion of advanced technologies such as AI autonomy, quantum computing and more life-like humanoid robots. To illustrate the possibilities, consider the following.
• Advanced robots will offer real-time emotional sensing, personalized care and predictive health monitoring
• Quantum computing will augment AI robots to make faster and more precise decisions about care
• Natural language processing and voice recognition will enable spoken commands and natural conversations
• Humanoid robots will be seen as indispensable companions built on trust-over-time experience
Ethics would dictate a human caregiver will forever be essential to everyday compassion and intuitive care, but eldercare robots can certainly ease the care burden with time savings, clarity of information, instantaneous alerts/access and 24/7 monitoring of safety and security.
The market outlook, the applications and the technologies enabling eldercare assistive robotics seem endless and that’s only the beginning.