A study by the University of Nottingham shows that telepresence robots can make a valuable contribution to the health and wellbeing of older people living independently at home. The study’s findings point to improvements in physical strength, balance, social interaction and self-confidence. At the same time, the research offers new insights into the opportunities and challenges of telepresence robots as a support in the home environment.
An ageing population, social isolation and vulnerability present a growing challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Falls, in particular, are a major cause of loss of independence among older people. More than one in three people over the age of 65 experience a fall each year. The consequences often go beyond physical injury. Fear of falling again can lead to reduced physical activity, loss of muscle strength, declining self-confidence and further social isolation.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham therefore collaborated with Age UK Bristol to investigate whether telepresence robots can support older people in both social interaction and physical activity. These robots enable video calls without users needing any digital skills or having to install software. Unlike traditional video-calling services such as Zoom or FaceTime, the person on the other end of the connection can move virtually around the room via the robot, creating a stronger sense of presence.
Support from home
For the study, volunteers from Age UK Bristol were paired with older people living independently at home. Over a six-week period, they were in contact two to three times a week via a telepresence robot installed in the older person’s home. The volunteers were not only trained in using the technology but also learnt how to safely guide older people through a personalised exercise programme devised by a fitness instructor. In this way, the project combined social support with physical activity.
The evaluations showed that participants exhibited slight improvements in their physical frailty. In addition, their confidence in undertaking social activities outside the home increased. It also emerged that both volunteers and older people further developed their digital skills whilst using the technology.
More than just a technical innovation
According to Professor Praminda Caleb-Solly, Professor of Embodied Intelligence at the School of Computer Science, University of Nottingham, the results highlight the potential of assistive robotics in everyday care practice. “Our research shows that the use of technology in older people’s daily lives can genuinely make a positive difference. The next step is to work with governments and other partners to ensure that these research findings are put into practice,” said Caleb-Solly.
The researchers emphasise that intelligent telepresence robots have a much wider range of applications than just social support. Examples include exoskeletons that aid mobility or robotic aids that enable people with limited motor skills to eat independently. However, large-scale implementation in homes, care settings and standard care processes often proves complex.
Assistive robotics
The project forms part of a wider debate in the United Kingdom on the role of intelligent assistive robotics in healthcare. The research findings will be incorporated into a parliamentary round-table meeting at which policymakers, healthcare organisations and technology experts will discuss how the adoption of such technologies can be accelerated.
Under the banner ‘Future-Proofing Care’, the University of Nottingham is currently investigating which policy measures, standards, skills and procurement processes are needed to deploy telepresence robots on a larger scale. This involves not only technological innovation, but also practical issues relating to regulation, sustainability and acceptance by healthcare professionals and users.
The initial findings of the research suggest that telepresence robots can play an important role in supporting older people living independently. In particular, the combination of social connection, physical activity and accessible technology appears promising at a time when healthcare systems worldwide are under increasing pressure.
