MOBISERV: European funded Robot Companion for the Elderly

A highly customisable robot companion designed by EU-funded researchers to offer support to older people is currently being presented across Europe and could find its way into people's homes within two or three years, potentially greatly enhancing quality of life for older citizens and people with memory or mobility problems.

The robot, a mobile wheeled semi-humanoid figure equipped with cameras, sensors, audio and a touch screen interface, can remind users to take their medicine, suggest they have their favourite drink or prompt them to go for a walk or visit friends if they haven't been out for a while.

As part of a larger smart-home environment that can include smart clothing to monitor vital signs, the system can monitor user's health and safety, and alert emergency services if something is amiss.

'Across Europe, populations are growing older, and many people need care in some way. Care may be provided by professionals at home or in a care facility, but often the caregiver is the person's partner or another family member.

What we are seeing is that carers may also need additional support themselves, especially if they are also older - our vision is that technology can provide it,' explains Mr Herjan van den Heuvel of Smart Homes (Eng), the Dutch Expertise Centre on Home Automation and Smart Living, which oversaw the robot's development.

The median age across the European Union's current 28 Member States, which was around 41.2 years in 2011, is projected to rise to 47.6 years by 2060, while the number of people aged 65 and over will almost double to make up 29.5 % of the population, according to Eurostat's latest population projections.

Meanwhile, the percentage of people aged 80 and above is expected to triple by 2060.

With age-related illnesses also set to increase in line with that trend, more and more people across Europe will need care and assistance if they are to maintain their quality of life, stay healthy and avoid social exclusion.

Developed over 33 months by a consortium of research institutes, universities and technology companies in seven European countries - Finland, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom - the companion robot helps address those issues.

It is just one of several results of an EU-funded project titled 'An integrated intelligent home environment for the provision of health, nutrition and well-being services to older adults' ( MOBISERV), which received EUR 2.75 million in research funding from the European Commission.

Fujitsu develops 'smart walking stick' to help the elderly

The stick has an LED display showing the which direction to go

A walking stick with built-in sat-nav has been developed by Japanese technology giant Fujitsu.

The Next Generation Cane is designed to help elderly people find their way, as well as monitor things such as heart rate and temperature.

Its location can also be followed online - and can be set up to send email alerts if it thinks the user may have fallen over.

Technology for the elderly is a key concern for Japan's ageing population.

Fujitsu, like several companies in the region, is looking at ways to help us remain mobile and connected later into our lives - potentially extending our ability to keep on working.

The prototype device, shown off at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, is equipped with various connection technologies such as GPS, 3G and wifi - and has an LED display on top of the handle.

If a change of direction is needed, the walking stick vibrates, and an arrow appears.

'Mature customer'
Although designed for the elderly, Fujitsu envisions it being used by any vulnerable person.

The stick sends data back to a host computer, so a carer or relative can see the location of the user, with additional data, such as heart rate, being streamed.

If the stick detects an irregular heartbeat, it can automatically contact emergency services.

The Stylistic smartphone runs a heavily modified version of Google Android

Also on show at MWC was Fujitsu's smartphone designed for the elderly - or the "mature customer", in their words.

The interface includes question marks at various locations to explain what each function is.

The phone is also able to change the frequency of audio to make it easier for older ears to hear.

There is as yet no planned release date for the Next Generation Cane, but the phone will launch in Europe in June, beginning with France.