Technology to care for elderly

The Manila Times

Technology to care for elderly  With an aging population keen on enjoying riches, more fulfilling retirement years, Japan has long pioneered technologies aimed at the elderly. A revolutionary design of floor protects frail bones from fractures by deforming instantly to absorb and cushion the shock of a person falling. Friendly, humanoid robots are now used at many care facilities, with artificial intelligence that lets them memorize over 100 faces and names and hold natural conversations geared specifically to the person they are talking to. We also see a seal-shaped robot designed to create a healing effect, like a pet animal, that has now been certified as a medical device in over 30 countries.  VIDEO BY MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF JAPAN  Subscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribe  Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.net  Follow us: Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebook Instagram - https://tmt.ph/instagram Twitter - https://tmt.ph/twitter DailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotion  Subscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digital  Check out our Podcasts: Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcasts Amazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusic Deezer: https://tmt.ph/deezer Stitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcher Tune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein  #TheManilaTimes #Japan #Technology #care #elders

Transcript

00:00 [Music]

00:05 Even in our twilight years, we deserve to enjoy rich and fulfilling lives.

00:11 New technologies are now helping to ensure this.

00:14 [Music]

00:17 Injuries from falls are a big problem that this innovative floor surface helps to avoid.

00:22 [Music]

00:25 The surface stays flat and solid underfoot, even for wheelchair users.

00:29 [Music]

00:33 But if it receives a strong shock like a falling body, the floor changes shape.

00:38 The special structure underneath instantly deforms to absorb impact before returning to its original state.

00:46 This technology was developed by Shimomura Hiroshi.

00:50 Try to crush a paper cup or an empty can using a gentle force, nothing happens.

00:57 They feel solid and rigid, but apply a strong force quickly and they'll instantly collapse.

01:03 This is the same principle.

01:05 What's special is that the floor can be crushed over and over and still return to its original form.

01:11 It took much research to develop a structure that can deform and recover its shape.

01:17 [Music]

01:20 This floor reduces the force of impact by up to half.

01:23 [Music]

01:26 It's already in use in many medical and care facilities.

01:31 There's a limit to how far we can prevent falls, so we need to create an environment

01:36 where even if someone does fall, they will still be safe.

01:42 Robots able to hold conversations are now helping improve life for the elderly in care facilities.

01:49 Poworo is a humanoid robot equipped with artificial intelligence.

01:57 Here Poworo is leading these old folks through a set of exercises.

02:01 It uses built-in cameras, microphones and sensors to understand and interact with its surroundings.

02:12 It's capable of having quite complex conversations.

02:20 Poworo can recall over 100 faces and names and has a very friendly, natural manner.

02:35 Me too!

02:38 Poworo can even remember your favorite song and sing it with you.

02:44 We talked to one of the team who developed Poworo, Sugimoto Naoki.

02:50 The effects we found are that when a person feels that Poworo cares about them,

02:55 it definitely helps to ease their mind and relieve anxiety.

02:59 They feel less lonely and become more motivated to enjoy life and to stay in good health.

03:07 This robot is shaped like a seal and is designed to have a soothing, healing effect.

03:16 She's called Paro. Stroke her and she gives off happy vibes.

03:22 Hello Paro!

03:24 Just like a pet, Paro responds to her name.

03:29 Paro can sense more than just touch and voice.

03:32 Her senses tell her your temperature and position, helping her interact with you very like a real animal.

03:40 This is Shibata Takanori, Paro's creator.

03:44 We designed Paro so people would want her to live with them like a pet.

03:49 Her main purpose is to comfort and to give pleasure.

03:57 To make her suitable for use in care facilities, Paro's design was modified to improve both safety and performance.

04:06 Electromagnetic shielding makes her safe to be around people with pacemakers.

04:13 Paro's fur is given a silver ion treatment that kills viruses.

04:22 And all her fur is attached by hand, with every detail carefully and realistically crafted.

04:33 Paro is now authorized as an effective medical aid in over 30 countries.

04:42 Our next step is to get authorization for use in more medical facilities as well as in care homes.

04:48 With its aging population, Japan is leading the world with technologies to make life better for the elderly and those needing care.

04:58 Thank you for watching!

05:05 Please subscribe!

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