Belgian social robot to help combat loneliness among the elderly

On Monday in Vilvoorde, the innovation company Living Tomorrow unveiled a Belgian first: the social robot Ameca, which will be deployed in Flemish residential care homes for the elderly. Researchers are investigating how social robotics can help reduce loneliness among the elderly while supporting care teams.

The presentation of the social robot Ameca took place in the presence of Flemish minister president Matthias Diependaele, who engaged in conversation with the robot. The initiative addresses two major challenges: the ageing population and the associated pressure on the care sector, and structural loneliness among the elderly.

Research shows that more than 30 per cent of people aged 75 and over and more than 60 per cent of those aged 85 and over in Europe regularly feel lonely. This loneliness has negative consequences for both mental and physical health.

Ameca is presented as a complementary technology, not as a replacement for care staff. The robot acts as an interactive conversation partner who invites residents to engage in dialogue, helps bring back memories and provides mental stimulation. Thanks to advanced artificial intelligence, Ameca can recognise emotions, hold conversations and respond to users’ moods. She can also detect changes in behaviour, which can provide care staff with additional insights.

A live demonstration was held on Monday, featuring testimonials from residents and care staff involved in the trial phase. In the practical study at the healthcare organisation i-mens in Ghent, Ameca was tested with 31 elderly people aged between 63 and 93. On average, participants spent 15 to 20 minutes talking to the robot about personal topics such as family, hobbies and memories.

According to initial findings, these interactions were mostly viewed positively. Residents describe Ameca as an “interesting and enriching conversation partner” and appreciate the extra company. The partners involved emphasise that technology such as Ameca can contribute to greater attention and connection, particularly in a context of staff shortages and time pressures.

The ongoing trial phase is intended to clarify the extent to which social robotics can be deployed on a larger scale and under what conditions, including in terms of ethics and acceptance.
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^{#FlandersNewsService | Presentation of the Living Tomorrow humanoid robot Ameca © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}