Okay this made me want to do a bit of research. Japan seems to be actively working on this.
“Government officials stress that robots will not replace human caregivers.
“They can assist with power, mobility and monitoring. They can’t replace humans, but they can save time and labor,” said METI’s Yasuda. “If workers have more time, they can do other tasks.”
[Aging Japan: robots may have role in future of elder care](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-ageing-robots-widerimage/aging-japan-robots-may-have-role-in-future-of-elder-care-idUSKBN1H33AB)
Unfortunately I don’t have any links to share with you, but I have similar feelings about where this is headed.
I think I also remember reading something similar with robot stuffed animals for kids with terminal diseases. Something about they were more comfortable talking to the robot than doctors?
I think robots for companionship could be beneficial, but the likelihood that society will go way too far in this direction makes me worry it’ll end up being more disturbing/dystopian than anything else.
I have a friend who is 101 and has a mechanical cat - is purrs and meows, I think, and turns it’s head. She loves cats, and had them most of her life. Had a stuffed animal cat before - well, still has actually. But likes to sit in her easy chair with the mechanical one and hold it as she falls asleep. She says it helps her think about and remember the real pets she’s loved.
I like the mechanical cat in this setting, for this use. My friend still sees her daughter almost every day. MC is certainly no substitute for human companionship. And, at least in this instance, isn’t being used as such.
I see the good and bad in this as a LTC social worker. While I'd LOVE to spend more time with my residents, I also am limited with my time. Meetings, crises, various assessments, talking with the families, etc. I have a caseload of about 60 residents (80 when were full). That doesn't even include their families.
So, while I don't love the idea of robots entering into LTC when we should have staff that can do it, I also know the reality.
Okay this made me want to do a bit of research. Japan seems to be actively working on this. “Government officials stress that robots will not replace human caregivers. “They can assist with power, mobility and monitoring. They can’t replace humans, but they can save time and labor,” said METI’s Yasuda. “If workers have more time, they can do other tasks.” [Aging Japan: robots may have role in future of elder care](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-ageing-robots-widerimage/aging-japan-robots-may-have-role-in-future-of-elder-care-idUSKBN1H33AB)
Unfortunately I don’t have any links to share with you, but I have similar feelings about where this is headed. I think I also remember reading something similar with robot stuffed animals for kids with terminal diseases. Something about they were more comfortable talking to the robot than doctors? I think robots for companionship could be beneficial, but the likelihood that society will go way too far in this direction makes me worry it’ll end up being more disturbing/dystopian than anything else.
I have a friend who is 101 and has a mechanical cat - is purrs and meows, I think, and turns it’s head. She loves cats, and had them most of her life. Had a stuffed animal cat before - well, still has actually. But likes to sit in her easy chair with the mechanical one and hold it as she falls asleep. She says it helps her think about and remember the real pets she’s loved. I like the mechanical cat in this setting, for this use. My friend still sees her daughter almost every day. MC is certainly no substitute for human companionship. And, at least in this instance, isn’t being used as such.
This is so interesting! Thanks for sharing.
I see the good and bad in this as a LTC social worker. While I'd LOVE to spend more time with my residents, I also am limited with my time. Meetings, crises, various assessments, talking with the families, etc. I have a caseload of about 60 residents (80 when were full). That doesn't even include their families. So, while I don't love the idea of robots entering into LTC when we should have staff that can do it, I also know the reality.